India and Pakistan will clash on October 7 in Johannesburg in ICC World Cup 2027.
India has the ability to win the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, according to the legendary white-ball all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, but only on the condition that the Indian management does not keep switching players around and comes up with a core group of 16-20 players at least one year before the event.
The schedule for the ICC World Cup 2027 was unveiled by the ICC in Cape Town on Thursday, and the tournament begins on October 7 and will run till November 21. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host the matches across eleven venues.
India, who have won the tournament twice previously, will begin their campaign in Group A when they take on reigning champions Australia in Cape Town on October 7, followed by their archrivals Pakistan in Johannesburg on October 10.
India will also face matches against Afghanistan, Qualifier A, and host Zimbabwe, with the final match being played in Johannesburg on November 21.
"In my opinion, there should not be a lot of shuffling because I feel that you need to prepare the squad a year before going to the World Cup because you need experience in every position.
Whether it's the top order or the middle order, whoever your numbers four, five, and six are, they need to have game time. Don't think too far ahead because if you're thinking straight away about winning the World Cup, you're putting too much pressure on yourself.
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 in South Africa a month early to prepare. Looking at this squad, I definitely believe they have the potential to win the World Cup," Yuvraj Singh said on Jio Star.
His 2011 World Cup-winning India teammate Suresh Raina talked about the India vs. Pakistan rivalry and stated that the Men in Blue’s current playing style and quality put them well ahead of rivals Pakistan. India holds an 8-0 record against Pakistan in the ICC World Cup.
"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 ever been like this before.
India-Pakistan definitely brings more attention from the fans, but I think the Indian team is far superior right now. It's a World Cup game. Pakistan will also have support in South Africa, but I think we have a quality team, with bowlers capable of generating pace and bounce and handling pressure well.
1983, 2011, and hopefully 2027. I think it's time to bring home the third title. The team will have the wishes and prayers of 1.4 billion people in India, and I think they will win that Pakistan game comfortably," Suresh Raina said.
India is currently engaged in an ODI series against West Indies and will then tour New Zealand for an all-format series.
(IANS inputs)