Synopsis
Aakash Chopra raises concerns over Yashasvi Jaiswal's inclusion in India's Champions Trophy squad, suggesting that with a stable batting order, he may not be necessary. Chopra advocates for Mohammed Siraj's inclusion if Jasprit Bumrah is unfit, emphasizing the need for experience in the bowling lineup.Key Takeaways
- Aakash Chopra questions Jaiswal's role in the squad.
- Siraj's inclusion may depend on Bumrah's fitness.
- India's batting order appears settled with key players performing.
- The left-right batting combination strategy may have shifted.
- Jaiswal's future in the team is uncertain after being dropped.
New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal's position in India's final 15-man lineup for the forthcoming Champions Trophy, implying that the young opener may no longer align with the team's strategy.
Chopra is of the opinion that, with India's batting order stabilizing, Jaiswal might be deemed unnecessary, and Mohammed Siraj could be brought in as a substitute, especially if Jasprit Bumrah is unable to regain fitness in time.
Jaiswal, who made his ODI debut in the series opener against England in Nagpur on February 6, displayed potential before being dismissed by Jofra Archer for 15 runs. However, with Virat Kohli returning to the XI for the second match, the 22-year-old was promptly dropped, stirring doubts about his future in India’s plans.
Chopra, during his YouTube segment, remarked that India’s top-order is appearing solid with Rohit Sharma back in form, Shubman Gill as vice-captain, and Virat Kohli as an indispensable fixture. He further indicated that Shreyas Iyer’s match-winning 59 off 36 balls in the first ODI may have influenced India’s squad selection.
"The batting order looks established. Rohit has begun scoring runs. Shubman Gill is our vice-captain, and he is performing well. Virat Kohli will eventually regain his form. Even if he doesn’t, it’s unlikely India would drop him," Chopra stated.
"With Shreyas Iyer at No. 4 and either KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, or Axar Patel at No. 5, that position is secure. One of the two—Rahul or Pant—will need to sit out. Therefore, having an extra batter means you might not need Yashasvi Jaiswal. That’s a possibility."
Chopra hinted that India initially aimed for a left-right batting combination but appear to have shifted away from that strategy following Iyer’s impactful innings.
"You aspired to preserve a left-right combination in the batting order. Now, that’s no longer feasible. You’ve played your hand, and that hasn’t worked out," he noted.
With Bumrah’s status for the Champions Trophy still uncertain, Chopra suggested that Siraj might make a comeback to the squad. Siraj was excluded from the ODI squad against England and the preliminary Champions Trophy lineup, but his experience could prove vital if India requires three frontline fast bowlers.
"You can’t include Yashasvi. So, if he’s not in the lineup, why take him to the Champions Trophy? I think Mohammed Siraj has a greater chance of playing than Yashasvi Jaiswal," Chopra elaborated.
"I see a strong possibility for Mohammed Siraj to be included, especially if experience is needed in the bowling attack against Pakistan. You might want to proceed with three fast bowlers—Siraj could come in. Consequently, Yashasvi might need to make way."
India’s key bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who suffered a back injury during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Although he was part of India’s preliminary squad, his participation is contingent on a final fitness evaluation.
