Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina spoke about Yashasvi Jaiswal's inclusion in the India national cricket team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that it will be a concern for the team as to how he fits in the playing XI for the tournament.
The India national cricket team has included young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. The youngster, who is yet to make his debut in ODIs, has been preferred over some of the senior players, especially due to his performances in the other two formats.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has developed himself as one of India's reliable batsmen in Tests and T20Is.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has developed himself as one of India's reliable batsmen in Tests and T20Is. In particular, in Test cricket, he was exceptional as he showed amazing consistency at home and abroad. Overall, he has accumulated 1,771 runs in international cricket.
Jaiswal is unlikely to get a game in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as he has been named as a back-up in the squad for skipper Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill. The duo have done a fantastic job as a top pair for India and they want to continue that in the upcoming tournament.
Yashavi Jaiswal, with the form he is at, is sure to give the team management a headache. Also, being left-handed, he will undoubtedly be a tempting option for the team, but finding a place for him in the team will be difficult for the captain and management.
There will definitely be concern about how Jaiswal will make it into the playing XI – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina admitted that it will be a concern how Yashasvi Jaiswal is added to the XI. He said that apart from the opening batsman, there is only one left-handed player in the playing XI in Rishabh Pant. He explained in his interview with Star Sports:
“It's a fair question. There will definitely be concern about how Jaiswal gets into the 11th over. Other than that, there's only one left-handed player in the 11th over, and that's Rishabh Pant. So, do you put Jaiswal at No. 3? Or keep him open, send Gill in at No. 3? 3, Virat Kohli at 4?” Raina said.
I will open the film with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina also batted for Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to open the innings, saying that if Gill is appointed, he can deliver big scores. He also stressed that Yashasvi Jaiswal will be important for Rohit Sharma as the second opener. He added:
“I will open with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. When Gill prepares, he keeps getting a big score. But Jaiswal will be very important for Rohit Sharma as a second opener, especially if Rohit or Gill is injured.”
