Will Young Focuses on Team Success, Not World Cup Selection

Mount Maunganui, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : New Zealand opener Will Young, who scored a century against India in the fourth ODI, is not fixating on securing a place in the 2027 World Cup squad. With strong competition for opening positions in the team, including Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, and Finn Allen, Young acknowledges the challenge ahead.

Reflecting on his performance, Young remarked, “Honestly, I’m trying not to look at it that way. The World Cup is approaching, and many players want to be on that plane to South Africa. Right now, every player who gets a chance wants to give their best. The best thing about this team is that it’s all about contributing to the team’s success, not worrying about individual performance or who else is doing well.”

In a press conference before the fifth ODI, Young highlighted the importance of teamwork. He stated, “We try to do this as a team, but you’re right; this is a crucial series, and there are other series before the World Cup that are important for solidifying our spots. The most important thing is to be a good team player and look for ways to contribute to the team’s success, which will ultimately help you get on that plane.”

Young praised teammates Tim and Finn, saying, “Having Tim and Finn in the ODI setup is fantastic. They both bring so much joy and energy to the group. They are truly enjoying this opportunity, and it has positively impacted me. They came out and showcased their power, but I think they are both better than just being crash-bash players. They adapted to the situation, and we formed some excellent partnerships, which helped us win. Hopefully, we can have a similar impact in the next game.”

The 33-year-old Young has scored 2,190 runs in 67 ODIs, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries. His recent innings against India saw him score 125 runs off 108 balls, marking his highest score in ODIs.