Road to title no. 3: How can India reach the 2027 World Cup semifinal?

Shubman Gill (R) and Virat Kohli will be vital to India’s chances at next year’s World Cup. | Photo Credit: AFP

After the painfull loss in the home final in 2023, India will aim to make amends in the men’s ODI World Cup in 2027, to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

India is in Group A alongside Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A. The Men in Blue will begin its campaign against defending champion Australia on October 7 in Cape Town.

The tournament will feature a revamped format, with the competition moving through the Super Series, a 12-team group stage and the Super 7 before the semifinals and final.

READ | ICC ODI World Cup 2027 Full Schedule: Complete Fixtures, Dates, Venues and India Matches

Sportstar looks at how India can chart its course to the semifinal:

To progress into the Super 7 stage, India must finish in the top three in Group A to earn automatic qualification. At least three wins should guarantee that Shubman Gill’s side move to the next round.

In the Super 7 round robin stage, India will require at least four victories to finish in the top 4 and progress into the semifinals.