How much does Hardik Pandya change India's ODI chances?

Sourav Ganguly says Hardik Pandya's fitness is essential to India's balance at the 2027 World Cup. Pandya's batting strike rate in his last eight men's ODIs was 118.4, against 84.8 for top-seven batters over the past two years. He can score quickly and offer India right-arm medium-fast bowling in the same place.

The runs have come in short stays. His batting average across those eight ODIs was 22.5, against 32.81 for top-seven batters. Against Australia in March 2025, he scored 28 from 24 balls; against New Zealand days later, he made 18 from 18. Those innings gave India runs, though neither kept him at the crease for long. His pace matters most if he can sustain it.

What his overs are worth

Pandya's bowling has to carry some of Ganguly's argument. Across his 92 ODIs, he has taken 87 wickets. Against Pakistan in February 2025, he took 2/31 from eight overs, a spell that shows how his second skill can help India. Against New Zealand in March, he returned 0/30 from three overs.

His economy across his most recent eight ODIs was 6.23, against 5.26 for bowlers in men's ODIs over the past two years. India can use the extra bowling option, but those overs need to cost less before they make a compelling case that the side depends on him.

The size of India's advantage

India have won the first two ODIs against West Indies. In the second, they reached 406/2 in 43.3 overs. Our ratings place India first among 10 men's ODI teams and give them a 72% chance of beating an average side. Our forecast gives them an 87% chance of winning Saturday's third ODI against West Indies.

Pandya offers a useful combination to a side that already has strong chances. His recent batting gives India a reason to want him fit for 2027; his bowling leaves more for him to prove. Ganguly's case for his place is persuasive. The case that he is essential to India's ODI chances rests on what he does with the ball next.