New Delhi: Yashasvi Jaiswal could potentially earn his maiden ODI call-up in India’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025, but only as a reserve opener
Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s opener in Tests and T20Is, faces limited chances of making it to the squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Although he has been a regular in both the longest and shortest formats, he is yet to debut in ODIs. While a spot in the squad seems unlikely, he could be considered for a reserve opener role. However, even then, he will face fierce competition from teammate KL Rahul for the position.
Who will be India’s reserve opener for Champions Trophy 2025?
India is likely to maintain the opening partnership of captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill for the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, a reserve opener will be included in case either of the two is unavailable due to injury or other reasons. This presents the only possible opportunity for Yashasvi Jaiswal to earn his first call-up to the ODI squad. With impressive T20I statistics, having scored 723 runs in 23 matches, Jaiswal has proven himself in white-ball cricket.
However, Jaiswal’s inclusion in the squad, even as a reserve opener, will face strong competition from KL Rahul. The Karnataka batter has proven his versatility, having successfully opened the innings with Rohit Sharma during the 2019 World Cup. Rahul’s adaptability to shuffle positions in the batting order makes him the ideal choice as a back-up opener. Additionally, if Rahul is selected as the reserve opener, India would have an extra spot in the squad or for travelling reserves, allowing them to bring in another all-rounder or bowler based on the team’s needs.
Although KL Rahul is more accustomed to playing in the middle-order, where he has accumulated the majority of his runs, he has the versatility and skill to thrive as an opener if required.
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