New Delhi: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has advised the Indian team management to identify a core group of players and stick with them ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup next year.
Yuvraj has warned against making late changes to their squad, which can disrupt the team’s rhythm heading into the all-important tournament.
Yuvraj believes continuity in team selection will ensure all players who are in the scheme of things get enough game time in the lead-up to the World Cup. His comments come at a crucial juncture for Team India amid uncertainty over the future of former captain Rohit Sharma.
Rohit was reportedly told by the selectors during the England tour earlier this year that he is no longer a part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. It was reported that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel wanted to move on from Rohit to provide more chances to youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Rohit was expected to retire after the Lord’s ODI against England, however, his brilliant 138-run knock in the game earned him a new lease of life. But there continues to be uncertainty over his selection in India’s World Cup squad owing to concerns over his form and fitness.
“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, warning India against making late changes to their squad.
“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,” he added.
Go with your top 11 match-winners: Yuvraj
Yuvraj insisted that the selectors and the team management should focus on building the team around the match-winners in their squad. India have a large pool of talented players to pick from, but sometimes a problem of plenty can result in a lot of confusion and late changes.
“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,” explained Yuvraj.
Yuvraj was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ODI World Cup at home under the legendary MS Dhoni. Yuvraj was one of the best players in the tournament and won the Player of the Tournament award for his all-round exploits. He played an instrumental role in helping India end their 28-year-long wait for their second ODI World Cup.