New Delhi, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh believes the national team has the talent and depth to win the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, but has stressed the need for stability in selection and preparation, urging the team management to finalise a core group of 16 to 20 players at least a year before the tournament.
The World Cup schedule was unveiled in Cape Town on Thursday, exactly a year ahead of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Two-time champions India will begin their Group A campaign against defending champions Australia on October 7 in Cape Town, before facing arch-rivals Pakistan on October 10 in Johannesburg. India are also scheduled to play Afghanistan, the team qualifying through Qualifier A, and co-hosts Zimbabwe. The final is scheduled to be held in Johannesburg on November 21.
Yuvraj, a key member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team, said frequent changes to the squad could affect players’ preparation and experience, particularly in crucial batting positions.
“In my opinion, there should not be a lot of shuffling because I feel that you need to prepare the squad like a year before going to the World Cup, because you need experience in every position,” Yuvraj told JioStar.
He emphasised that players expected to bat in the top order and middle order, particularly at numbers four, five and six, needed sufficient game time ahead of the tournament.
Yuvraj also advised the team to focus on preparation rather than placing excessive pressure on themselves by thinking too far ahead about winning the title.
“Just go with the flow and make sure that your 16 to 20 guys are ready to play. Before the World Cup, the team should be there in South Africa a month before to prepare. And looking at this squad, I definitely believe they have the potential to win the World Cup,” he said.
Former India batter Suresh Raina, another member of the 2011 World Cup-winning side, also expressed confidence in the current Indian team, pointing to its aggressive batting approach, improved player quality and bowling resources.
Raina said India were currently ahead of Pakistan across departments, adding that the team’s fearless style of play and ability to handle pressure could be significant factors in the tournament.
“The Indian team is too far ahead at the moment, in all departments. The way players have improved, the fearless approach they are batting with, and their aggressive style, I don’t think it’s like ever before,” Raina said.
He acknowledged that India-Pakistan matches attract considerable attention from fans but maintained that India had the overall quality to perform strongly in the contest.
Raina also highlighted the importance of India’s pace attack, saying the team had bowlers capable of generating pace and bounce and managing pressure in challenging conditions.
India have an 8-0 record against Pakistan in ODI World Cup encounters, a statistic that Raina referred to while expressing confidence ahead of the teams’ scheduled meeting in Johannesburg.
Referring to India’s previous World Cup triumphs in 1983 and 2011, Raina expressed hope that the team would secure its third ODI World Cup title in 2027.
“1983, 2011, and hopefully, 2027, I think it’s time to bring the third. The team will have the wishes and the prayers of our 1.4 billion population in India. And, I think they will win that Pakistan game comfortably,” he added.
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