Hanuma Vihari Warns Team India: Cannot Win 2027 World Cup Relying Only On Bumrah And Hardik

The Indian cricket team's bowling department has come under intense scrutiny following a surprising 5-wicket defeat against the West Indies in the third ODI match. Despite posting a massive total of 351 runs on the scoreboard, the Indian bowlers failed to defend the target, leading to a wave of criticism from cricket experts and former players. Among the most vocal critics is former Indian Test batsman Hanuma Vihari, who has issued a stern warning to the team management and selectors regarding their strategy for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. Vihari believes that with less than a year remaining for the mega event, relying solely on the duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya could prove to be a costly mistake for the Men in Blue.

Vihari's Concerns Over Bowling Depth

Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Hanuma Vihari expressed deep disappointment over the expensive spells delivered by the Indian bowlers in the third ODI. He questioned the team's readiness for major tournaments if they can't defend a total as high as 351 against a side like the West Indies, which isn't even part of the main World Cup roster. Vihari highlighted that if a team currently struggling on the international stage can dismantle the Indian bowling attack, the situation could become dire when facing top-tier teams such as Australia, England, and South Africa. He described the loss as a massive blow and a wake-up call, suggesting that the team's bowling unit seems to be moving backward rather than progressing.

Criticism of Inexperienced Young Bowlers

The former batsman specifically pointed out the performance of young bowlers like Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. During the third ODI, these bowlers conceded runs at a high rate, failing to maintain pressure on the opposition batsmen. Vihari noted that on flat pitches, inexperienced bowlers often struggle to handle the pressure of international cricket. He emphasized that there is no substitute for experience when it comes to taking wickets with the new ball and during the powerplay overs. According to him, the lack of control and swing from the younger lot is a significant concern that needs immediate attention from the selectors.

The Case for Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami

Vihari strongly advocated for the immediate return of veteran pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami to the ODI squad. He recalled how the trio of Bumrah, Shami, and Mohammed Siraj had solved India's powerplay wicket-taking issues in 2023. However, with Bumrah's workload management and Siraj's inconsistent form, those problems have resurfaced. Vihari stated that the team must have solid backups in case of injuries and shouldn't depend entirely on Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. He argued that experienced bowlers are essential when the team needs a crucial breakthrough.

Bhuvneshwar's Impressive Form in IPL

Highlighting Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recent performances, Vihari mentioned that although the pacer played his last ODI for India in 2022, his form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been exceptional. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Bhuvneshwar has taken 45 wickets in 30 matches across the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons. Vihari believes that the control and swing Bhuvneshwar provides with the new ball are currently missing from the Indian attack. He urged the management to reconsider the veteran's inclusion to provide the necessary stability and experience to the bowling lineup ahead of the 2027 World Cup.