India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup are in an important stage as a team and the former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh is now in that phase and he has warned the team management to stick to the same formula and not change from now onwards and not make a big change in form, as it is possible to improve the team more than once before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Yuvraj’s comments come amid mounting speculation of the future of the senior batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s ODI side. But his message was broader than the future of the two former ODI leaders. Yuvraj told ESPNcricinfo: “We need to build a good team, and get a good group of players together before the World Cup.
Yuvraj Calls for a settled core
Yuvraj said India should focus on developing the same group of players who can be ready for the World Cup next year. He recommended that the team management identify a core group of about 16 to 20 players and provide them enough opportunities.
The former India all-rounder warned against making significant changes at the last moment.
Due to the increasing popularity of T20 cricket, he said, there are fewer 50-over matches in the cricket calendar today. So every ODI that is played is crucial for the players in terms of understanding their role and getting match experience.
Rohit and Kohli's ODI futures remain a talking point
The problem of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has added another layer to India’s World Cup planning.
Both players are huge figures in Indian cricket but their participation in the 2027 World Cup can’t be taken for granted. Their age and long-term ODI plans are naturally part of the conversation as India constructs a squad for the tournament in South Africa.
Yuvraj didn’t say or suggest a specific decision regarding either player, however. He stressed that clarity and continuity in the team as a whole is required.
Why Game Time Matters
With fewer ODIs played compared to previous times, Yuvraj thinks many players need regular opportunities. The consistent game time will help the management to identify combinations, roles and performance of players when one is under different circumstances.
He also indicated that players should be supported even if they fail in their preparation phase when they have a bad season and fail. Yuvraj argues that changing the squad so often and then changing the team makes it hard to build confidence and understanding, according to Yuvraj.
India’s Road to the 2027 World Cup
India's World Cup preparations will continue through the 2026-27 ODI calendar. The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
India will have to balance experience with emerging talent and the core players will need to have enough opportunities before the tournament.
Yuvraj’s comments thus underscore a key theme: preparation should start well before the World Cup and not rely too much on big changes when the tournament comes up.
Rohit and Kohli’s future will be decided by selection decisions, form, fitness and their own plans. Yuvraj’s words do nothing to settle that question but only to underscore the importance of having a settled and well-tested Indian squad before the 2027 tournament.
