Gill Out, Jaiswal In? India's 3 Probable Playing XI Changes For Champions Trophy

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Jan 11 2025, 7:36 PM

Jaiswal and Gill are competing for opening slot in ODIs [Source: @GillPrince07, @ImTanujSingh/X]Jaiswal and Gill are competing for opening slot in ODIs [Source: @GillPrince07, @ImTanujSingh/X]

India's recent Australia tour was no less than a nightmare, as the hosts swatted aside the tourists by 3-1 to reclaim the famed Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a long hiatus. However, while India's decline as a powerhouse in Tests has been subjected to much debate and discussions, their stature as ODI giants is undeniable. 

The hosts of the 2023 World Cup remained unbeaten until a Travis Head masterclass shattered their dream of winning the lucrative title on home soil. However, as the stage is set for the Champions Trophy, India have a golden opportunity to break their ODI knockout jinx and win a 50-over ICC tournament after 12 years. As the Men in Blue prepare for the showpiece event, here are three bold changes they might consider bringing to their first-choice ODI XI. 

Shubman Gill Out, Yashasvi Jaiswal In?

  • While captain Rohit Sharma is all set to open the batting for India in the Champions Trophy, there will be a toss-up between Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the second opener slot. 
  • Shubman Gill has been an incredible performer for India in ODIs, amassing 2328 runs at an average of 58.2 and a strike rate of 101.7. So, he has done nothing wrong to be dropped from India's first-choice Champions Trophy playing XI. 
  • Having said that, it won't be surprising if the Indian think tank gets tempted to try Yashasvi Jaiswal due to several reasons. Apart from ensuring left-right combo at the top, Jaiswal can play an ultra-aggressive game, allowing the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to anchor the innings. Also, he is in sublime form and could be an asset for India in the Champions Trophy. 

Shreyas Iyer Out, Rishabh Pant In?

  • India's experienced batter Shreyas Iyer has stellar numbers at number four, scoring 1397 runs at an average of 51.74 and a strike rate of 101.75. 
  • However, the stylish Mumbaikar seems to have fallen back in the pecking order after losing his central contract. Iyer was a pale shadow of himself in the last ODI series he played against Sri Lanka. 
  • Therefore, the Indian team management could consider replacing him with the swashbuckling Rishabh Pant, who can counter left-arm off-spin and right-arm leg spin bowlers in a more effective manner in the middle overs. Also, Pant's inclusion will ensure a left-handed batter in India's top six, bringing more variety and flexibility to the table. 

Ravindra Jadeja Out, Axar Patel In?

  • Legendary Test cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has been a regular member of India's limited overs setup, scripting many memorable wins with his all-round prowess over the years. 
  • However, Jadeja's decline as an accelerator lower down the order could lead to his exclusion from India's Champions Trophy XI. On the other hand, Jadeja's prime competitor Axar Patel, who was incredible in the T20 World Cup, might be picked as India's first-choice spin-bowling all-rounder for the marquee event.