India's bowling resources have come under renewed scrutiny after the team failed to defend a total of 351 runs against the West Indies in the third ODI in New Chandigarh. Although India posted a strong score, the West Indies chased down the target with five wickets in hand, completing the chase in 48.2 overs. The result has raised questions about India's bowling depth as the team continues preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Former India batter Hanuma Vihari has now called for a rethink of the bowling combination. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Vihari said India should consider bringing experienced fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami back into the ODI setup.
Vihari's comments came after India struggled to contain the West Indies despite having a substantial total to defend. India had scored 351 runs, but the visitors produced an impressive chase led by captain Shai Hope, who played a match-winning century. The West Indies eventually completed the chase with five wickets remaining.
Vihari described the failure to defend 350 runs as a major warning sign for the Indian team. He argued that the bowling unit needs to be assessed carefully, particularly with the 2027 World Cup now approaching.
According to Vihari, India should not become overly dependent on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Both players have important roles in India's overall bowling combination, but workload management and injuries can create uncertainty around their availability.
Vihari therefore believes India needs experienced alternatives who can step into major roles if first-choice players are unavailable. He specifically mentioned Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami as bowlers who could provide that experience.
Bhuvneshwar has been outside India's ODI plans for several years, but he remains an experienced international bowler and has continued to perform in domestic and franchise cricket. He was particularly successful during the 2026 Indian Premier League season, taking 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Recent reports also noted that Bhuvneshwar remains open to an India return if he receives a selection call.
Vihari believes Bhuvneshwar's experience could be particularly useful during the early stages of an ODI innings. His ability to control the new ball and create movement could provide India with another option when the team needs an early breakthrough.
Mohammed Shami is another experienced option mentioned by Vihari. Shami has been a key part of India's pace attack in previous major tournaments and has considerable experience bowling in pressure situations. However, he was not included in India's squad for the recent West Indies ODI series.
The debate over India's bowling depth has emerged at an important stage of the team's preparation for the 2027 World Cup. The recent West Indies series showed both the strength of India's batting and some concerns about the bowling combination.
India's batting produced impressive totals during the series, but the bowling unit struggled to consistently prevent the West Indies from scoring quickly. In the third ODI, India had the advantage of a 351-run total but could not convert it into a victory.
The situation also highlights the challenge facing the current team management. India has been trying several bowling options while managing the availability of senior players and giving opportunities to younger cricketers. Players such as Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi have been given opportunities as the team searches for a settled combination. India captain Shubman Gill has also acknowledged the need to establish a more consistent group of players with the World Cup now only about a year away.
Vihari's argument is not necessarily that younger bowlers should be removed from consideration. Instead, his comments underline the importance of having reliable experienced alternatives within the squad.
India's recent results have shown why squad depth could become a major factor at the 2027 World Cup. A tournament campaign can be affected by injuries, workload management, form and availability. Having several proven bowlers capable of handling pressure could give the team more flexibility.
The former India batter also pointed to the importance of having dependable wicket-taking options. In a 50-over match, taking wickets during the powerplay and middle overs can significantly change the course of an innings. If India's leading bowlers are unavailable, the team will need alternatives capable of performing similar roles.
The third ODI against the West Indies therefore provides the Indian team management with an opportunity to examine its bowling plans. The batting department has demonstrated that it can produce large totals, but the bowling attack needs to show that it can consistently defend them.
Vihari's suggestion to recall Bhuvneshwar and Shami is ultimately a matter for the selectors and team management. Neither player's return is guaranteed, and selection will depend on form, fitness, team balance and the requirements of the ODI side.
With the 2027 World Cup approaching, India's priority will be to establish a reliable bowling combination while continuing to develop younger options. The failure to defend 351 against the West Indies has added urgency to that process.
The debate is therefore less about one match and more about India's overall preparation. If Bumrah or Hardik are unavailable during a major tournament, the team will need experienced bowlers capable of taking responsibility. Vihari believes Bhuvneshwar and Shami could provide that additional security, while the selectors will have to decide whether their current form and fitness justify a return.
For India, the coming ODI assignments will be important in determining whether the current bowling options can develop into a settled attack before the 2027 World Cup.
