Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has clarified why Yashasvi Jaiswal will not feature in India’s playing XI for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, despite his recent stellar performances. The inclusion of Shubman Gill as vice-captain solidifies his spot alongside captain Rohit Sharma at the top of the batting order.
- Shubman Gill retains his place due to his vice-captaincy, securing his opening spot.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite his form, faces exclusion from the playing XI.
- Reconfiguring the batting order to accommodate Jaiswal would disrupt the current lineup.
Gill’s Vice-Captaincy Secures His Place
Harbhajan explained that Shubman Gill’s role as vice-captain makes his position non-negotiable. He emphasized that Gill’s leadership role prevents the management from dropping him. This decision impacts the potential inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal in the starting lineup, despite his impressive batting record.
Jaiswal’s Outstanding Form and Limited Opportunities
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, announced the provisional squad, acknowledging Jaiswal’s remarkable performances in recent matches. Harbhajan suggested that Jaiswal deserves to open with Rohit Sharma, but Gill’s vice-captaincy status complicates this scenario.
Harbhajan noted, “If Jaiswal opens, Gill must bat at No.3, pushing Virat Kohli to No.4, which would displace Shreyas Iyer and disturb the batting lineup.”
Statistical Comparison: Gill vs. Jaiswal
Gill’s ODI stats boast 2,328 runs in 47 matches at an average of 58.20, with six centuries and 13 half-centuries. In contrast, Jaiswal has excelled in Tests and T20Is, scoring 1,798 runs in 19 Tests and 723 runs in 23 T20Is. Despite these numbers, Gill’s leadership role overshadows Jaiswal’s inclusion.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
