Yuvraj Singh not optimistic on India's chances of winning World Cup 2023

Former Indian World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh has shown his concern over Indian middle-order.

As the ODI World Cup 2023 approaches, the cricketing world’s gaze turns towards India, a nation with high hopes of ending their ICC trophy drought on home soil. Yet, amidst the air of anticipation, legendary Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has voiced his concerns over the team’s preparations and its readiness to clinch the coveted title. With just two months remaining for the mega event, Yuvraj’s observations shed light on crucial aspects that could impact India’s chances.

Yuvraj Singh, a name etched in the archives of Indian cricket history, has expressed his unease regarding the Indian team’s middle-order concerns, a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans.

“I am an Indian.’ But I see a lot of concerns in the Indian middle order because of injuries. If those concerns are not resolved, we will struggle, especially in pressure games. Don’t experiment with pressure games. The skill work required to bat in the middle order is very different from that of an opener. Is there anybody there (in the team management) who is working around the guys that will be playing in the middle order? That’s the question mark; the middle order is not ready, so someone will have to make them ready,” Yuvraj said on the Cricket Basu YouTube channel.

While India’s opening options have seen fresh talent emerge, the critical No. 4 and No. 5 slots remain uncertain. Yuvraj’s assertion that these positions require a player who can absorb pressure, build partnerships, and weather the storm is a call for an experienced presence. The absence of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul due to injuries has underscored the urgency of addressing this vacuum.

“If your openers are out early, you need to build a partnership. (Middle order) batsmen are not simply flamboyant stroke-makers that occupy the crease and start hitting. He has to absorb pressure, leave a few balls, and create a partnership. It’s a difficult job, somebody has to be experienced over there,” he explained.

Yuvraj Singh’s insights come as a reminder that building a championship-winning team requires a balance of raw talent and seasoned expertise. While India’s young guns have shown promise, Yuvraj’s appeal for a methodical approach to team selection resonates deeply. As India strive to assemble a lineup capable of thriving in diverse match situations, Yuvraj’s words hold a mirror to the team management’s responsibility in nurturing and harnessing potential.

India will start their World Cup campaign on October 8 against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

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