Shubman Gill accused of using leadership quota to block Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ODI XI selection

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shares his views on India’s opening match for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that if Shubman Gill had not been named as the team’s vice-captain, Yashasvi Jaiswal would have definitely opened the innings.

The Indian national cricket team has recently announced its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The much-talked about appointment of Shubman Gill as the team’s vice-captain against Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and other senior members of the team.

Opening debate for India with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal in squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

While this was a major development, another talking point was the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young batsman, who is yet to make his debut in ODIs, was selected mainly based on his potential in Test cricket in T20Is.

There has been much debate in the team as to who will open the innings for the team, both Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill, of late, has not been at his best, and Jaiswal, on the other hand, has taken his game to another level, and this has led to several left-backs opening their innings.

Everyone was saying Jaiswal should have been picked because he showed his readiness in Australia – Harbhajan Singh

Talking about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s inclusion, Harbhajan Singh said many wanted the batsman to play but Shubman Gill has been named as the vice-captain and will open. He said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

“Everybody was saying Jaiswal should have been picked because he has shown that he is ready in Australia. People wanted him not only in the team, but wanted him to be part of the playing XI. But it is difficult now because Shubman Gill is there. Gill is the vice-captain so he will open.

Had Gill not been named vice-captain, Jaswal would have been picked in the playing XI – Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh spoke about the possibility of Yashasvi Jaiswal playing, if he does, the entire batting order will be lost. Had Gill not been named vice-captain, he was certain that Jaiswal would have played. He added:

“If Yashasvi opens, Gill should drop to three and Virat Kohli to four. But where will Shreyas Iyer’s bat be? The train will be derailed. Yashasvi should have played because I think whenever a cricketer is in form, he should be given a chance.

“Had Gill not been named vice-captain, Jaiswal would have been picked in the XI. Now that Gill is vice-captain, he cannot be dropped.”

Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India will play three ODIs against England starting February 6.

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