Champions Trophy Karthik drops Yashasvi
Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik said that Jaiswal will be the backup opener in Champions Trophy 2025. After winning the T20 World Cup title, Rohit Sharma & Co will now set their eyes on another white-ball ICC trophy – Champions Trophy 2025. The selectors and team management don’t have much time to experiment with the team combination as most of the players from the 2023 ODI World Cup are expected to be retained for the Champions Trophy.
However, Yashasvi Jaiswal is one name who is expected to feature in the squad after his impressive performances in Tests and T20Is last year. Meanwhile, former India wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik said that Jaiswal will be a backup opener as Shubman Gill is expected to retain his place as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner.
Jaiswal has a great chance to become the backup opener
Why? The combination of Rohit and Shubman is very good. Yes, Jaiswal has a great chance to become the backup opener and will get a chance soon if Shubman doesn’t perform as expected. And India also has a very strong middle order.
Shubman has recently been promoted to the role of vice-captain after Gautam Gambhir took over the coaching charge. The young opener earned the distinction of becoming Rohit’s deputy in ODIs by beating KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya. Team India recently lost the ODI series against Sri Lanka and will now play only three more 50-over matches to give themselves some game time before the Champions Trophy.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will open in CT 2025: Karthik
Dinesh Karthik also suggested that India will not experiment much with their opening pair, as they have only three matches left to prepare for CT 2025. Before the Champions Trophy, they are just going to play three more matches. And I am very confident that Rohit and Shubman will open for the Champions Trophy.
With Ishan Kishan ruled out, Jaiswal, who is yet to make his ODI debut, is expected to step up as the backup opener for India in the mega ICC title next year. Meanwhile, the ICC is yet to take a final call on whether Pakistan will host the entire Champions Trophy or adopt a hybrid model, as the BCCI has reportedly decided not to travel to the neighbouring country.
Submitted its draft schedule to ICC already
The PCB has already submitted its draft schedule to the ICC, keeping in mind India’s matches. As per the draft schedule, India are scheduled to play all their matches in Lahore, including a possible semi-final and final. The main match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for March 1.
When Karthik was asked about the possibility of Rohit and Jaiswal opening for India, he said, “Why? Rohit and Shubman are a very good combination. Yes, Jaiswal has a great chance to be the backup opener and he will get an opportunity soon if Shubman doesn’t perform as expected.” And India also have a very strong middle order.
The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy, which will see eight teams participating, is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. As per reports, Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host the matches. India have not travelled to Pakistan since 2008, and there is a high possibility that the 2013 champions will skip the Pakistan tour next year as well. In that case, the Champions Trophy will either move out of Pakistan or the tournament will be played in a hybrid format.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has a great chance: Dinesh Karthik
On Cricbuzz’s Hey CB with DK, Dinesh Karthik was asked about Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening for India. Karthik admitted that Jaiswal might get a chance if Shubman Gill fails to perform well. He expressed confidence that Rohit and Shubman will open in the Champions Trophy.
The combination of Rohit and Shubman is very good. Yes, Jaiswal has a great chance to become the backup opener and he might get an opportunity soon if Shubman doesn’t perform as expected. And India also has a very strong middle order,” Karthik said.
Conclusion
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has backed Shubman Gill to open for India alongside skipper Rohit Sharma in the ICC Champions Trophy next year. Gill has been India’s first-choice opening partner for Rohit in ODIs since the start of 2023, but his poor form of late and the rise of Yashasvi Jaiswal has led to some fans and experts of the game questioning his place in the XI.
Jaiswal, who made his international debut for India last year, has already made a big name for himself in Tests and T20s and many see him as a future opener in ODIs as well. But according to Karthik, Gill will open for India in the ICC tournament next year and Jaiswal, who is yet to play a 50-over match for the Men in Blue, could be a good back-up opener.
