'They will be the two topmost' - Irfan Pathan predicts India's wicketkeepers for 2027 Cricket World Cup

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has named two wicketkeepers whom he wants India to pick for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will take place in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The Men in Blue have a plethora of options to choose from for their player behind the stumps. 

Despite having several options, Pathan wants the current wicketkeeper, KL Rahul, to be India's first-choice gloveman at the marquee tournament. There are a lot of points in the Karnataka batter's favour, including past experience and the ability to play in the middle order. The former player-turned-pundit also wants Ishan Kishan to travel to Southern Africa, not only as a number two, but also as an adequate top-order batter.

"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," Irfan Pathan said on JioStar. 

Pathan stated that if there is an opening in the side, it should go to Sanju Samson, thanks to his excellent record in ODI cricket in the limited opportunities that he has received. The right-handed batter 510 from 16 matches that he has played in 50-over cricket at an average of 56.66, whilst striking at nearly 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.

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Rahul has solidified his place as India's first-choice wicketkeeper in the ODI format ahead of the 2023 World Cup on home soil. The 34-year-old's form has also gotten better since being given the added responsibility of keeping wickets and batting in the middle order. Rahul averaged 52.42 in the calendar year of 2025, before having an outstanding ODI series against New Zealand at the start of this year. He scored a century against the Black Caps in Rajkot, hitting an unbeaten 112 off 92 balls.