Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has urged the team to resist sweeping changes as the next 50-over World Cup draws closer, arguing that the next year should be used to build a stable core group.
The case for continuity
Speaking to Cricinfo, Yuvraj said India should concentrate on building the side that will play the tournament in a year’s time, since large changes at the last moment are best avoided. He stressed the need to back players and give them enough chances to establish themselves in ODIs, saying constant tinkering can damage a team’s stability and confidence.
He also noted that the international calendar now contains considerably more T20 cricket and fewer 50-over fixtures. For that reason, he said, every player in the squad, whatever their age, needs regular game time to prepare for the World Cup.
India’s recent white-ball record
India have done well in limited-overs cricket lately. They won the T20 World Cup in 2024 and 2026 and the 2025 Champions Trophy, and they also reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Limited ODI window ahead
Preparation for the 2027 tournament continues with a three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting on September 27. Because there are few 50-over matches before the World Cup, the selectors must balance keeping a settled group with making room for emerging players.
Yuvraj’s message is that the available ODIs should be used to firm up the squad so that those chosen arrive at the tournament with enough match practice behind them.
