Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has shared his thoughts on India’s opening combination for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that if Shubman Gill is not appointed as the vice-captain of the team, Yashasvi Jaiswal will definitely open the innings.

The Indian national cricket team recently announced its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The biggest talking point among them was the appointment of Shubman Gill as the vice-captain of the team, beating out Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Other senior members of the team.

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal debate opening of India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025

While this is the main development, another talking point is the addition of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young batsman, who is yet to make his ODI debut, was selected based on the potential he has shown in Test cricket and T20Is.

With both Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the team, there is a lot of debate on who will open the innings for the team. Gill has been out of form of late and Jaiswal has taken his game to the next level, which has led to many left-handed defenders starting the game.

Everyone says Jaiswal should be picked as he showed in Australia that he is ready – Harbhajan Singh

Talking about the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harbhajan Singh admitted that many want the batsman to field but it will be difficult as Shubman Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain and will Serve as starter. He explained in a video posted on his YouTube channel:

“Everyone is saying Jaiswal should be picked because he proved in Australia that he is ready. People not only want him to be in the team but also want him to be part of the starting XI. But now it is difficult because Shu Boorman Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain, and since Gill is the vice-captain, he will start.”

Had Gill not been named vice-captain, Jaiswal would have been drafted into the starting XI – Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh also talked about the possibility of Yashasvi Jaiswal playing and said that if he does, the entire batting order will be derailed. He was confident about Jaiswal’s game had Gill not been named vice-captain. He added:

“If Yashasvi opens, Gill will have to drop to three and Virat Kohli to four. But where will Shreyas Iyer bat? The train has derailed. I feel Yasha Shasvi should play as cricketers should be given a chance when he is dropped.”

“Had Gill not been named vice-captain, Jaiswal would have been drafted into the starting XI. Now Gill is the vice-captain and he cannot be dropped.”

Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India will play three ODIs against England from February 6.

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