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Shubman Gill To Be Out Of ODI XI? 3 Calls Rohit Sharma Should Take Before Champions Trophy

Shubman Gill had a horrible series vs SL [PTI]Shubman Gill had a horrible series vs SL [PTI]

With each passing day, we are inching towards the Champions Trophy 2025. Although the International Cricket Council is yet to take a final call on the potential hybrid model, the tournament will likely be held in Pakistan in February-March next year. 

Regarding India, the Men in Blue recently suffered a massive setback, as Sri Lanka thrashed them by two-nil in a three-match ODI series. 

This series held significant importance from India's Champions Trophy preparations perspective. However, all is not lost for the Indian team, as they will get another opportunity to fine-tune their skills before the marquee event. 

Notably, the three-match ODI series against England will be India's final dress rehearsal for the Champions Trophy. So, considering they lost to the Lankan Lions, India might conduct some experiments to settle their combination for the tournament. 

So, as Rohit Sharma and co. gear up for the competition, let's see what bold calls could help India resolve its grey areas in ODI cricket. 


More game time for Yashasvi Jaiswal

Since Shikhar Dhawan's exit from India's white-ball setup, Shubman Gill has been Rohit Sharma's first-choice opening partner in ODIs. 

However, the stylish batter from Punjab recently had a torrid run in the Sri Lanka series, managing only 57 runs in three innings at an abysmal average of 19. 

Particularly, Gill's ability to tackle quality bowling on challenging pitches was scrutinised, and given the seriousness of the Champions Trophy, India must keep a backup opener ready. 

At the moment, Yashasvi Jaiswal is the front-runner for the third opener's role. But it won't do any good to India if the swashbuckling southpaw travels with the team without any game time. 

Therefore, India must rotate their openers to ensure each gets sufficient match practice.


More opportunities for Parag and Sundar

Sundar can be a handy weapon going ahead [PTI]Sundar can be a handy weapon going ahead [PTI]

For a long time after Kedar Jadhav's ouster, India struggled to find a batter who could chip in with a few overs. 

However, the drought seems to end soon, with Riyan Parag emerging as a valuable bowling option. 

The explosive batter from Assam recently oozed his class with the ball, scalping a memorable hattrick on his ODI debut. 

Barring him, Washington Sundar has also been pivotal with the ball, even being nominated as one of the potential Player of the Month candidates for July. 

So, India must ensure more opportunities for these two players, as they can be handy alongside Axar Patel on spin-friendly pitches for the Champions Trophy. 


Find a backup for Mohammed Siraj

Whenever Jasprit Bumrah is rested for a series, India's bowling gets exploited in white-ball cricket. 

The recent series against Sri Lanka was nothing different, as the Lankan batters belted Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh on a sluggish Colombo deck. 

Siraj was more disappointing than the two, picking up only three wickets at a horrendous economy of 6.28. 

His inability to strike might haunt India in the Champions Trophy. So, keeping that in mind, the Men in Blue must prepare a backup pacer who can assist Bumrah as far as the wicket-taking is concerned.