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Gill backs No.8 Kamboj, Nabi amid World Cup concerns

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 10:39 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Gill warns bowling woes

Shubman Gill said India will lock in a stable bowling lineup for the World Cup.
He said a No. 8 bowler-batter is needed, naming Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi.
Gill noted Kamboj and Nabi each conceded over nine runs per over on debut.
He warned injuries to Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj have thinned India’s pace options.
Gill criticized fielding, saying India dropped around seven catches in the series.

Summary

India clinches series

India secured a 2-1 series victory over West Indies despite a home ODI loss.
West Indies won the final ODI by five wickets on Saturday.
The defeat was India's first home ODI loss to West Indies since December 2019.
The loss ended West Indies' seven-year home winning drought.
The three-match series, concluded on 3 October 2026, served as preparation for the 2027 World Cup.

History

Historical Context

In the 1992 Cricket World Cup, India fielded a balanced side that relied on a specialist No. 8 all-rounder, debuting fast-bowler Javagal Srinath. The BCCI allocated INR2 crore to develop pace talent, and Srinath bowled 45 overs at an economy of 4.2 runs per over. Similarly, Shubman Gill now urges India’s selectors to add a No. 8 bowler-batter like Anshul Kamboj, while injuries to Prasidh Krishna echo the 1992 shortage of fit pacers. Repeating that 1992 approach could prevent another home defeat such as the October 2026 loss to West Indies and strengthen India’s bid for the 2027 World Cup.

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Gill warns bowling woes

Shubman Gill said India will lock in a stable bowling lineup for the World Cup.
He said a No. 8 bowler-batter is needed, naming Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi.
Gill noted Kamboj and Nabi each conceded over nine runs per over on debut.
He warned injuries to Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj have thinned India’s pace options.
Gill criticized fielding, saying India dropped around seven catches in the series.

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