Yashasvi Jaiswal OUT, Washington Sundar IN: R Ashwin Picks Likely India Playing XI For Champions Trophy 2025
Photo : AP
India will aim to win their second ICC trophy less than a year of the T20 World Cup 2024 victory, when they take the field for the Champions Trophy 2025 from February 20. The Men in Blue have announced the squad for the mega tournament, with Yashsavi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar making their ICC tournament debuts. Now, the biggest question is what India playing XI for the mega tournament would look like. 2013 Champions Trophy winner and legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has given his take on the playing XI.
"Gautam Gambhir Values Washington Sundar"
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington Sundar because of hos batting ability. Hence, India can play either Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel at 6, with Hardik Pandya at 7 and Washington Sundar at 8. This allows the three fast bowlers to play, or they can either play two pacers and Kuldeep.
“I’m not biased, but Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington due to his batting. He can also be used as a floater," Ashwin said.
“If you follow the (ODI) World Cup format, you play either Jaddu (Jadeja) or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7, and Washington at 8. This allows for three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two pacers, maintaining balance with Hardik’s all-round skills," the recently retired spinner added.
Shubman Gill- Rohit Sharma To Open, No Yashasvi Jaiswal
R Ashwin further stated that Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will open the batting. Yashasvi Jaiswal can only make it to the playing XI if someone gets injured. If Jaiswal does play, then Shreyas Iyer might be dropped which looks unlikely.
“Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill open, both right-handed. Then there’s Virat Kohli. Shreyas Iyer likely bats at 4, given his strong performance in the World Cup. KL Rahul follows. At No. 6, it’s a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7. We lack left-handed batters in the top seven. Outside the XI, we have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant," Ashwin opined
“Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured. He could have a chance against England. But what if he scores consecutive centuries? One option is to open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5. If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalize on Jaiswal’s current form," the legendary cricketer concluded.
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