The ICC unveiled the World Cup 2027 schedule in Cape Town, marking the one-year countdown to the marquee event in South Africa, which kicks off on October 2, 2027. Parthiv Patel and Suresh Raina, shared their thoughts on India’s fixtures, the rivalry with Pakistan, and why a fit and firing Hardik Pandya will be critical to Team India’s balance in the tournament.
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On the India-Pakistan rivalry and Men in Blue facing Australia in their opening game:
“Good to see that India start with Australia because we are too used to India starting against Pakistan. You have to play two good teams at any stage. It doesn’t matter whether it comes first or whether it comes later. I think the ICC has realised that India-Pakistan is no longer the India-Pakistan game in terms of the level of competition. Pakistan is too weak and India have been beating them for a long time. I’m actually looking forward to the India-South Africa game, which will probably take place in the second round. South Africa is a gun team at the moment. Many of the regulars are not even a part of the squad which is playing Australia at the moment, and they have beaten them. Also, a World Cup in South Africa will be phenomenal. I was involved in SA20 last year, and the turnout for the franchise tournament was unreal. Every ground and every stand was full.”
Parthiv Patel elaborated on how the new format of the tournament will give Team India a chance to rotate their players:
“This schedule gives you a chance to play two tough matches right at the start, and then you play the other matches, and when the actual business end of the tournament starts, you try to peak again. So you can do all those things with this schedule: your core players can play the first three or four matches, because you will have to manage fitness, form and workloads in this World Cup. It won’t be like you go there and just keep playing every game. Yes, no disrespect to any of the teams, and going into a World Cup, you don’t take anyone lightly, because we already experienced that in 2007. So, this schedule definitely allows you to fully manage your players.”
Suresh Raina analysed the one-sidedness of the India-Pakistan rivalry in ICC tournaments:
“The Indian team is too far ahead at the moment, in all departments. The way players have improved, the fearless approach they are batting with, and their aggressive style, I don’t think it’s like ever before. But India-Pakistan definitely brings more awareness for the fans, but I think the Indian team is far superior right now. It’s a World Cup game, Pakistan will also have support in South Africa, but I think we have that quality team, bowlers with good pace and bounce who can handle pressure well. 1983, 2011, and hopefully, 2027, I think it’s time to bring the third. The team will have the wishes and the prayers of our 1.4 billion population in India. And, I think they will win that Pakistan game comfortably.”
