SportsPosted at: Sep 29 2026 9:12PM


Bahutule backs experimentation as India build towards 2027 World Cup

Guwahati, Sep 29 (UNI) India’s ongoing home ODI series against the West Indies is being used to test combinations and assess young players as the team begins preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

With the Asian Games taking place simultaneously, India have had to manage multiple squads across tournaments. Spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule believes the country’s depth has allowed the management to distribute players effectively while giving youngsters valuable exposure.

“With tournaments being played simultaneously at different venues, it is certainly a challenge to assemble the right squads. However, I believe we have done a fabulous job of selecting the right players and distributing them accordingly,” Bahutule said on the eve of the second ODI against West Indies here on Tuesday.

“The Asian Games are as important as any other tournament, and the home series is equally significant. Every player gets an opportunity to perform and showcase his ability. While rain has affected the Asian Games, youngsters here in India are getting valuable exposure. These matches allow us to assess how players handle pressure and, as the series progresses, identify who could be the right fit for future squads,” he added.

The series has also given India an opportunity to experiment with bowling combinations and assess players in different roles.

“Series like these give us the opportunity to experiment with different combinations. We can assess which bowlers are effective in different phases of the innings. That was part of the thinking behind giving Nitish Kumar Reddy the new ball. He is a quality bowler and can contribute with the bat as well,” said Bahutule.

“Throughout the series, we may try different options, including giving bowlers like Gurnoor (Brar) the new ball. It is important to understand how young players respond because this is a team in transition. There is no better opportunity than a home series to evaluate them,” he added. Kuldeep remains a match-winner
Bahutule also backed Kuldeep Yadav, highlighting the left-arm wrist-spinner’s preparation and ability to influence games.

“Kuldeep has always been a match-winner for India. His performances and numbers speak for themselves. He works extremely hard on his game and is constantly looking to improve.
Whenever he feels he needs to work on a particular aspect, he spends extra time in the nets.
“He recently had a county stint where he bowled a significant number of overs, so he has come into this series well prepared. Being a wrist-spinner and a Chinaman bowler, he brings a unique skill set that adds tremendous value to the team in any condition,” said Bahutule.

He also underlined the value of experienced campaigners Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in a squad that is gradually evolving.

“Virat is someone who keeps getting better with every series and every game. Despite achieving so much, he is always looking to improve, which is remarkable. Along with Rohit Sharma, he brings immense experience to the side. Younger players benefit greatly from interacting with them and learning from their experiences. Virat's commitment to fitness and constant pursuit of improvement are an inspiration not just for players in the dressing room but for cricketers across the country,” he said.

On Jadeja, Bahutule said, “For me, Jadeja has always been a utility player. He contributes with both bat and ball and has improved significantly as a bowler over the last six months. He bowled exceptionally well during the Tests in Sri Lanka and has started this ODI series well too. With Axar Patel also in contention, the upcoming series will help us assess who offers the best balance and utility. Jadeja's experience and all-round skills make him a valuable player.”

India are also keeping South African conditions in mind ahead of the 2027 World Cup with Bahutule stressing that the team management is consciously trying to form the right combination that will excel in those conditions.

“We cannot completely replicate South African conditions, but the previous match in Thiruvananthapuram offered something similar, with good bounce, assistance for fast bowlers and enough for spinners as well. It was also an excellent surface for batting.

“We are conscious of the type of conditions we may encounter in South Africa and are trying to identify the players who can make an impact there. Every venue has its own challenges, and these matches help us understand which players are best suited to those conditions,” he said.
Bahutule said while India has mostly ticked all the boxes, but fielding and finding the right combination for South African conditions remain areas of focus.

“Most of the boxes are already ticked. We have a squad that combines experience with emerging talent, and there are several players pushing for opportunities. Fielding is one area where we continue to focus heavily, particularly under lights and in dewy conditions, which can be challenging,” he said.

“The effort being put in by the players is evident. Moving forward, selecting the ideal combination for South African conditions will be important. Overall, we are heading in the right direction. The environment created by Gautam Gambhir and the support staff has been excellent, and we are approaching every game with a positive and determined mindset,” he added.
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