Shubman Gill has laid out India’s early blueprint for the 2027 ODI World Cup just days after their opening win over England in the three-match series.
What happened?
On 18 June, India beat England by six wickets in the first ODI at Lord’s, chasing 267 with three balls to spare. Shubman Gill top-scored with 70 off 63 as India’s top order set the platform. After the match, Gill told reporters the conditions at Lord’s mirrored those in South Africa, where India had recently toured. He said the team’s preparation for the 2027 event will lean on pace-friendly surfaces and swing-friendly spells.
Why it matters for Shubman Gill
Gill’s 70 was his highest score in England and his third fifty-plus in five ODIs there. The innings came after a quiet run in the Test series earlier this year, when he managed only 111 runs in four innings. His rapid rise in the shorter format shows he’s sharpening up ahead of the 2027 marquee event. India’s selectors have already pencilled him in as the anchor of their top order for the next two years.
What comes next?
India play two more ODIs against England on 22 and 25 June, with Gill expected to bat at three again. The squad will then head to Ireland for a short series before a home season packed with Australia and South Africa. Gill said the team’s think-tank wants to test every possible match-up before the 2027 cycle ramps up.
How the plan shapes up
Gill pointed to South Africa’s pace battery as the template for India’s bowling plans. He reckons the extra bounce and sideways movement will help India’s seamers thrive. The selectors have already flagged Gill’s ability to rotate strike as a key weapon in those conditions. With the 2027 World Cup still three years away, Gill’s early returns suggest India’s top order is already in sync.