India might not require Yashasvi Jaiswal in Champions Trophy 2025: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra feels that India might not need the services of talented opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal during the impending Champions Trophy 2025.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) picked Yashasvi as the backup opener for the ongoing ODI series against England as well as the Champions Trophy. In the first ODI, India handed Yashasvi his maiden ODI cap but the southpaw failed to make it count as he was dismissed for a 22-ball 15. The Mumbai batter was subsequently dropped from the playing XI in the second ODI.

With Rohit scoring a belligerent century in the second ODI and Shubman Gill registering half-centuries in both games, India's opening pair looks settled. Chopra opined that Virat Kohli will also get back among the runs while Shreyas Iyer will continue at No. 4. The former India opener said that only one between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will make the cut. The Karnataka cricketer has played the first two ODIs and has accumulated just 12 runs.

"The batting order is looking set. Rohit has started scoring runs. Shubman Gill is our vice-captain, and he is in good form. Virat Kohli will eventually return to form. Even if he doesn’t, god forbid, India are not going to drop him. Shreyas Iyer is at No. 4. At No. 5, whether it’s KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, or Axar Patel, the slot is settled. One of the two—Rahul and Pant—will have to be left out. And then you have an extra batter," Chopra said on his YouTube show.

"You might not require Yashasvi Jaiswal. That’s a possibility. You wanted to maintain a left-right, left-right combination in the batting order. Now, you won’t be able to do it. You have played your hand, and that has backfired," he added, hinting at a shift in approach after Iyer’s explosive knock in the first ODI.

I see a strong chance for Mohammed Siraj to be included: Aakash Chopra

Chopra also suggested that India could pick the experienced Mohammed Siraj in the Champions Trophy squad if Jasprit Bumrah fails to recover in time for the marquee event. Siraj was not selected for the three-match ODI series against England or the Champions Trophy.

Also Read: Reports: BCCI assigns three-member team for Jasprit Bumrah's speedy recovery

"You can’t play Yashasvi. So, if you can’t play him, why take him to the Champions Trophy? I think Mohammed Siraj’s chances of playing are higher than Yashasvi Jaiswal’s. I see a strong chance for Mohammed Siraj to be included, especially if you feel the need for experience in the bowling attack against Pakistan. You might want to go in with three fast bowlers—Siraj could come in. Then, Yashasvi might have to make way," Chopra said.