Shubman Gill accused of blocking Yashasvi Jaiswal’s selection for ODI XI using leadership quota

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared his opinion on India’s opening combination for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said Yashasvi Jaiswal would have surely opened the innings had Shubman Gill not been named as the vice-captain of the team.

The Indian national cricket team recently announced the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The main topic of conversation about it is the appointment of Shubman Gill as the vice-captain of the team instead of Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and other senior members of the team.

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

While this was the main development, another talking point was the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young batsman, who is yet to make his ODI debut, was selected specifically on the basis of the potential he has shown in Test cricket as well as in T20Is.

With Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the team, there was a lot of debate as to who would open the innings for the team. Gill has not been in great form of late and Jaiswal, on the other hand, has taken his game to a higher level and that has forced many of the left-backs to open the innings.

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

While talking about the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harbhajan Singh admitted that many want the striker to play but it will be difficult as Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain and will be the first. Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he explained:

“Everybody was saying that Jaiswal should have been picked because he showed in Australia that he is fit. People not only wanted him in the team but also wanted him to be part of the playing XI. But that is difficult now because Shubman Gill has been named as a substitute captain. Since Gill is vice-captain, he will open.”

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

Harbhajan Singh also spoke about the possibility of Yashasvi Jaiswal playing, saying that if he plays, the entire batting order will be undone. He was confident that Jaiswal would have played had Gill not been named vice-captain. He added:

“In case Yashasvi opens, Gill will have to go down at three and Virat Kohli at four. But then where will Shreyas Iyer bat? The train is derailing. I feel Yashasvi should have played because a cricketer should be given a chance when he is in form .

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

Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India will play three ODI matches against England, which will be played from February 6.

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