Cheteshwar Pujara picks 6 Indians in ODI World XI, leaves out Australia and Pakistan stars

Cheteshwar Pujara picks 6 Indians in ODI World XI, leaves out Australia and Pakistan stars

Cheteshwar Pujara Names His Current ODI World XI Ahead of India–New Zealand Series

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has revealed his current ODI World XI, selecting six Indian players in a line-up built around recent form, batting depth and a varied bowling attack. His choices arrive with India preparing for a five-match one-day international series against New Zealand—and with the 2027 ODI World Cup drawing closer.

Pujara’s selection has prompted debate over both the players included and those left out. The XI features no representatives from reigning ODI world champions Australia or Pakistan, while India’s Shreyas Iyer is among the notable omissions. The team also includes experienced stars alongside players whose value comes from specialist skills, such as left-arm pace and wrist-spin.

Pujara’s ODI World XI: India’s Top Three Lead the Batting

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s YouTube channel, Pujara chose an all-Indian top three of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The combination offers a blend of current run-scoring form, attacking intent and extensive experience in high-pressure international cricket.

Gill has been particularly productive in ODIs in 2026. He leads the year’s run charts with 895 runs at an average of nearly 112, a remarkable return that strengthens his case as one of the format’s most influential batters. His ability to build an innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate makes him a natural choice at the top of Pujara’s team.

Rohit brings a different kind of threat, with his aggressive approach capable of changing a match during the powerplay. Kohli, meanwhile, offers a proven record of anchoring chases and scoring consistently against varied bowling attacks. Together, the three give Pujara’s XI a formidable foundation, although their success would depend on the middle order providing support if early wickets fall.

Joe Root, KL Rahul and Shai Hope Add Stability

England’s Joe Root occupies the No. 4 position. He has scored 680 ODI runs in 2026 at an average of 85, putting him second on the year’s run charts. Root’s selection gives the side a dependable middle-order batter who can rotate the strike, manage a rebuilding phase and accelerate when conditions allow.

KL Rahul and West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope provide further depth. Rahul’s versatility allows him to contribute in different positions, while his wicketkeeping ability adds practical balance to the XI. Hope has averaged 68.14 across 10 ODIs this year, underlining his consistency and capacity to play long innings. His inclusion also gives the team another specialist wicketkeeper option.

South African all-rounder Marco Jansen completes the top seven. His left-arm pace offers a different angle with the ball, while his batting gives the line-up extra power and depth. In a hypothetical World XI, that dual contribution can be especially valuable: it allows the team to field an additional specialist bowler without leaving the lower order overly exposed.

Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah Head the Bowling Attack

Pujara’s four-man bowling group features India’s Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, New Zealand’s Matt Henry and West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales. The selection combines spin, new-ball accuracy and pace, though some choices are based on reputation and skill set rather than a large number of ODI appearances in 2026.

Kuldeep has played five of India’s 10 ODIs this year. His wrist-spin can challenge batters through the middle overs, particularly when the pitch offers grip or the fielding side needs wickets rather than simply containment. Bumrah has appeared in only two ODIs in 2026, but his control, variations and ability to bowl at the death make him a compelling pick even with limited recent opportunities.

Henry has not played an ODI this year, yet remains a respected new-ball option for New Zealand. His ability to move the ball early and maintain disciplined lines could complement Bumrah’s pace and precision. Seales adds another fast-bowling option. He claimed four wickets in three matches during the recent ODI series in India, giving Pujara a bowler with recent experience in those conditions.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s current ODI World XI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, KL Rahul, Shai Hope, Marco Jansen, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Matt Henry and Jayden Seales.

Why Shreyas Iyer’s Omission Stands Out

The most discussed omission is likely to be Shreyas Iyer, whose record in the 50-over format includes 3,136 runs in 76 innings at an average of 45.44 and a strike rate of 97.84. He has scored five centuries and 24 half-centuries, and became the eighth-fastest batter to reach 3,000 ODI runs.

Iyer’s performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup remains a major part of his case. He scored 530 runs in 11 innings at an average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.25, finishing as India’s third-highest run-scorer. He was also the first Indian middle-order batter to pass 500 runs in a single edition of the tournament.

His numbers in 2026, however, have been less convincing. Iyer has made 219 runs in nine ODIs at an average of 27.38 and a strike rate of 84.56, with one half-century. During the three-match series against England, he scored 35 from 53 balls, followed by 66 from 71, before being dismissed for a three-ball duck in the final match.

That contrast illustrates the challenge of selecting a current World XI: a player’s established record and major-tournament performances must be weighed against recent form. Pujara’s choice suggests he prioritised current output and the balance of the overall side, though Iyer’s past achievements make his absence a talking point.

India–New Zealand Series Offers a World Cup Preview

India, led by Gill, are scheduled to face New Zealand in five ODIs from November 4 to 15, with matches across Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui. The series will provide an opportunity to assess combinations, test players in different conditions and build momentum ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is set to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Pujara’s XI is not an official tournament prediction, but it offers a snapshot of the players he believes can make an impact in the format right now. Its mix of Indian batting strength, international experience and varied bowling options also highlights the qualities teams may need as they prepare for the next World Cup cycle. For fans, the upcoming India–New Zealand contest will offer a timely chance to compare those selections with performances on the field.

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