16 September,2026 10:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Yuvraj Singh and Shubman Gill (File pic)
Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has urged the selection committee to prioritise squad continuity and guarantee regular playing time for players as India builds toward the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The 2011 World Cup Player of the Tournament advised selectors to avoid selection overhauls close to the event, instead asking for a settled squad over the next year.
"They need to focus on building the same team to play in a year, 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 are more T20S and less 50-over cricket. Whatever matches there are, players must get enough game time to prepare for the World Cup," he added.
Yuvraj highlighted that sudden changes in the squad during later stages have hindered India in the past.
"Every time India has 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 said.
While acknowledging India's consistent white-ball performances, Yuvraj recommended focusing on assembling a Shubman Gill-led team that can adjust to different match scenarios, starting with securing semi-final qualification.
"We have had a lot of consistency in white-ball cricket. They need to think of first qualifying for the semis and then going on to play in the last two [knockout matches]. I think that's a long way ahead," Yuvraj said.
On tactical combinations, he suggested picking players who can use the local conditions well, along with genuine match-winners in the playing XI.
"The best combination will always be 12, 13, 14 players and [pick the 15th] according to conditions. Whether you want to play an extra spinner, fast bowler or allrounder, you've 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 concluded.
(With inputs from ANI)
