Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive performances in international cricket have yet to translate into an ODI cap. According to former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, Jaiswal is likely to remain a “back-up opener” for India until the 2025 Champions Trophy, with Shubman Gill expected to continue opening alongside skipper Rohit Sharma.
Karthik believes that Jaiswal has a great opportunity to be the backup opener and will get his chance if Gill does not perform as expected. He also highlighted India’s solid middle order as a factor in Jaiswal’s current status.
Gill has been India’s preferred opening partner for Rohit in ODIs since the beginning of last year, earning 47 caps so far. However, his inconsistent form has raised questions, especially with Jaiswal’s strong performances in Tests and T20Is.
Karthik predicts that Rohit and Gill will continue to open for India in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, with only three more ODIs scheduled against England at home in February.
India’s last ODI assignment was a 2-0 series loss to Sri Lanka. The eight-team Champions Trophy will return to the ICC calendar next year, hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.
India’s participation in the tournament remains uncertain due to political tensions between the two nations and the Indian government’s reluctance to allow the team to travel to Pakistan since 2008.
