Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh want clarity and readiness in Team India before T20 World Cup

Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian cricketer, reckons that the national team should be prepared for the T20 World Cup in Australia four months before the start of the tournament. Team India has been a dominant force in ODI and Test cricket, garnering a number of laurels. However, when it comes to the T20 format, the Men in Blue have had their fair share of their travails.

Virat Kohli’s men are ICC’s number-five ranked team in the shortest format. In 2019, India lost matches versus Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh and the West Indies. India are most likely to pick a squad of around 15 and the southpaw feels that they shouldn’t delay much.

“I think the team should be ready four months before the World Cup, I mean what should be your 16 or 14. I think we should be ready prior to the World Cup,” the 38-year-old Yuvraj was quoted as saying in an interview with Aaj Tak.

India won the 2007 inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa, beating Pakistan in the final at the Wanderers. But the team hasn’t gotten their hands on the trophy ever since. In 2014, they qualified for the final and unfortunately, bowed down to Sri Lanka. In the same match, Yuvraj was criticised.

The left-hander managed 11 off 21 balls and he was blamed for the loss. Virat Kohli’s 58-ball 77 went in vain as the Lankans won by six wickets with 13 balls to spare.. Later, the veteran Punjab cricketer said that it was ‘the worst day of his career.

India players should be aware of their role: Harbhajan

Harbhajan Singh, another retired cricketer, feels that players should be having a clarity about the role they will be playing in the World Cup. The Turbanator was a part of the 2007 World Cup-winning Indian squad.

“The team should be set and players should know that they are playing the World cup, it shouldn’t happen that there is any doubt whether one will get a place. They should be sure about their place and role in the team. The more clarity they have it would be better for India’s preparation,” Harbhajan said.