Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has suggested two wicketkeepers for India to consider for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, set to be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The team has many options for the wicketkeeper position.
Pathan believes that the current wicketkeeper, KL Rahul, should be India’s top choice for the tournament. He highlights Rahul’s experience and his ability to bat in the middle order as key reasons for this selection. Pathan also recommends Ishan Kishan as a valuable second choice, who can also contribute as a top-order batsman.
“KL Rahul is No. 1, a wicketkeeper-batter who plays in the middle order. He is a versatile player. Ishan Kishan has been brought in because you need a batter who can bat up the order and play well square against short balls. So they will be the two topmost,” Pathan said on JioStar.
Pathan mentioned that if there is an opportunity in the team, it should go to Sanju Samson, pointing to his impressive ODI record, despite limited chances. He noted that Samson has scored 510 runs in 16 50-over matches at an average of 56.66, with a strike rate close to 100.
“If someone is given a chance going ahead, it will be Sanju Samson. Sanju Samson’s ODI record is excellent whenever he has been given chances, and he is batting with maturity and soaking up the pressure now, and plays long knocks as well,” he added.
KL Rahul has established himself as India’s primary wicketkeeper in ODIs ahead of the 2023 World Cup set to take place on home turf. The 34-year-old’s form has improved since he took on the role of wicketkeeper and middle-order batsman, averaging 52.42 in 2025. He also had a standout ODI series against New Zealand earlier this year, scoring an unbeaten 112 off 92 balls in Rajkot.