Team India: Discussions about ICC ODI World Cup 2027 have started. Meanwhile, Indian team's two World Cup winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has given a big statement regarding Team India's preparations for the ODI World Cup. He said that the Indian team should start preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup from now, because making big changes at the last moment can spoil the balance of the team. He has made it clear that to win a big tournament like the World Cup, it is most important for the players to get a chance to play matches continuously.
Team India should avoid last minute changes in ODI World Cup – Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj, who was Player of the Series in India's 2011 ODI World Cup win, told Cricinfo, “They (Team India) have to focus on building the same team to play after a year, because you don't want to make big changes at the last minute. Whoever your players are, whether they are 16 years old or 20 years old, it is important that everyone gets a chance to play because obviously now there are more T20 matches and less 50-over cricket. Whatever the number of matches, it is important that players get enough playing time to prepare for the Worlds.”
Yuvraj Singh further said, “Whenever India has lost, they have made big changes in the team at the last moment or during the tournament. So I think it is important that we stick to the team that we believe can win the ODI World Cup 2027 and support those players till that moment whether they succeed or fail. Trust in the team is very important.”
Game time and belief in the squad: what Yuvraj Singh believes India need ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup ✅ pic.twitter.com/Z0gJBJHVAp
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) September 16, 2026
Team India will play ODI series against West Indies from 27th September
Team India will start its 2027 World Cup preparations from September 27 with the home ODI series against West Indies. Team Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar faces big challenges like the future of former captain Rohit Sharma and finding a fast bowling all-rounder for the South African pitches. This is the reason why the name of Hardik Pandya, who is injured, is also being discussed a lot. Generally the Indian team relies on all-rounders to strengthen the batting. However, former legend Yuvraj Singh believes that instead of running after only all-rounders, the selectors should give opportunity to such players who have the ability to win the match single-handedly, no matter what their role is on the field.
Yuvraj Singh told how the team's combination should be
Yuvraj Singh said about this, “The group of players of every country is different. Some teams have more all-rounders, some teams have special types of batsmen and bowlers. You have to move forward with the best combination only. The best combination will always be 12, 13, 14 players and according to the circumstances, the 15th player can be selected. Whether you want to play an additional spinner, fast bowler or all-rounder, you should go with the best players only. You have to move forward and choose your top 11 match-winners who you are confident can win the match.
Yuvi further said, “That's why Australia has been successful, because I believe that whenever the Australian team has won the World Cup, they have had many match-winners who can individually change the course of the match and on a particular day, one of them does wonders, and when all of them are in trouble, together they handle the situation.”
Also read: Explainer: Unfit India? Why BCCI doesn't learn from Australia, know why Indian players are getting injured again as soon as they come out of rehab.