Yuvraj Singh sends DM to Gautam Gambhir on Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup. Image Credits: AFPFormer Indian cricketer and World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh advised head coach Gautam Gambhir to avoid big changes to India’s ODI squad with the 2027 World Cup inching closer. India are now entering the final year before the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in South Africa. Hence, their upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting September 27, is being viewed as part of their preparation for the tournament. Yuvraj Singh delivers verdict on India’s World Cup preparationAmid this, former cricketer Yuvraj Singh had an important message to convey to Team India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir. In a chat with Cricinfo, he said the team shouldn't keep changing the squad dramatically as the World Cup gets closer. According to him, India have struggled when they have made major changes shortly before or during a World Cup. He therefore wants India to decide on roughly 16-20 players who could form their wider World Cup group and make sure they get enough opportunities.“They need to focus on building the same team to play in a year’s time, because you don’t want to make big changes at the last moment. Whoever your players are, whether they are 16 or 20, it’s important that everybody gets game time because obviously now there’s more T20s and less 50-over cricket. Whatever matches there are, it’s important that players get enough game time to prepare for the World Cup," Yuvraj said.Also Read - "Gautam Gambhir Is Making A Lot Of Enemies"- Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Told To Co-OperateThis is particularly important because there are fewer ODIs being played compared with T20Is, meaning every 50-over match becomes valuable preparation. “Every time India have 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 added.Yuvraj’s indirect hint at Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli’s futureHaving said that, Yuvraj Singh’s statement indirectly suggests that India must make up their mind on the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rohit will be 40 years old during the 2027 World Cup, while Virat Kohli will turn 39 during the tournament. Hence, questions have already been raised about their roles since the duo have already retired from the T20I and Test formats. Rohit was previously expected to announce retirement during the England tour.However, he instead smashed a spectacular 137 at Lord's after scoring 26 and 10 in the first two ODIs of that series. As for Virat Kohli, his form remains consistent.Hence, Yuvraj’s statement is advice for Gautam Gambhir to stick to a team that involves Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as excluding such senior and experienced stars at the last moment could trigger a massive imbalance in India’s World Cup squad.Rohit’s retirement not on the cardsInterestingly, Rohit Sharma’s future was reportedly discussed during the recent review meeting held by the BCCI. According to board secretary Devajit Saikia, the 39-year-old won’t be retiring anytime soon.He added that the retirement rumours are baseless and he wouldn’t feed them with unnecessary remarks. Hence, for now, Rohit is safe and will continue playing ODI games for India.However, whether he manages to get the green light for the 2027 World Cup or not, remains to be seen.Also Read - Nepal Squad For Asian Games 2026 Announced, New Captain Named
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