Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has urged the selectors and team management not to make big changes at the last moment ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Singh wants the Indian team to identify a core group of players and stick with them for the ODI showpiece.
Team India has been hit by continuous injury woes in the recent past and it would be crucial for the team to have the availability of their first-choice players. Hardik Pandya, who is a vital cog in India’s team, hasn’t played consistently due to injury trouble.
Meanwhile, doubts have also been raised on Rohit Sharma’s future despite his decent performances for the team over the years. Rohit played a magnum opus knock of 138 runs off just 110 balls in the third ODI against England at Lord’s.
“They (Indian team) need to focus on building the same team to play in a year’s time, because you don’t want to make big changes at the last moment,” Yuvraj told Cricinfo. “Whoever your players are, whether they are 16 or 20, it’s important that everybody gets game time because obviously now there’s more T20s and less 50-over cricket. Whatever matches there are, it’s important that players get enough game time to prepare for the World Cup.”
“Every time India have faltered is when they’ve made some massive changes at the last moment or in the tournament. So, I think it’s important that we stick to a team that we believe can lift the 2027 World Cup and stick by those guys whether they fail or succeed till that moment. Belief in the squad is very important,” he added.
The 2011 ODI World Cup-winning player said India must back the best combination and not think about stacking up all-rounders for batting depth.
“Every country has a different set of players. Some teams have more all-rounders, some teams have more specific batters and bowlers.” You have to go with the best combination. The best combination will always be 12, 13, 14 players and (the 15th player) according to conditions. Whether you want to play an extra spinner, fast bowler or all-rounder, you have got to go with the best. You’ve got to go with your top 11 match-winners who you feel can win the game,” he said.
ODI World Cup 2027 will be played from October 4 onwards.
