Ashwin needs Jaiswal to open with Rohit Sharma in Champions Trophy, demotes Virat Kohli

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings for India in Champions Trophy 2025. The southpaw earned his maiden call-up to the ODI side for the IND vs ENG ODIs and the marquee tournament. The Tamil Nadu spinner explained his rationale behind wanting Jaiswal to open the innings for India, pointing out that it would help the team deal with the opposition bowlers effectively.

Ashwin wants Jaiswal to open in Champions Trophy

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained that Jaiswal was in the form of his life in the last 18 monts. He pointed out that a left-right hand combo at the top will help India tackle the off-spinners. Ashwin reckoned that Shubman Gill should instead play at number three, while Virat Kohli is pushed down to number 4.

“It is the team’s responsibility to use the form of a player correctly. Yashasvi Jaiswal is the form player in the last 18 months. I feel Jaiswal has a compelling case. For two reasons – first is his form and the way he is going. While it will not happen and I will be surprised if it happens, it will be a good call for the welfare of the team,” Ashwin explained.

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Ashwin further said that with either Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja at number six, India will then have two left-handed batters in the top six. Jaiswal was rewarded for performances across formats with an ODI call-up in the Champions Trophy squad. He was the highest run-getter for India in the previous calendar year. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has had a lean run in ODIs, with his last ten innings in the 0-over format being not very commendable. While it is certain that Gill would be a part of the playing XI, given that he is the vice-captain, it remains to be seen if India will experiment with Jaiswal at the top.