Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has backed Shubman Gill to open with skipper Rohit Sharma for India in next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. While Gill has been India’s chosen opening partner for Rohit in ODIs since early 2023, the youngster has of late been under scrutiny following a slump in form.
Moreover, the young sensation in the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal has emerged rapidly and can possibly challenge him at the top. Great initiation into international cricket for Team India; having made a strong impression in both Tests and T20Is since last year, the consistency and aggressive game of Jaiswal have made him become the favourite of many, who already project him as the next bright star in the making for the 50-over format.
However, Dinesh Karthik feels Gill is too good a player to miss his spot in the playing XI as India’s opener in the ICC event, where Jaiswal is a strong backup. While talking during a Cricbuzz show, Dinesh Karthik was asked if Jaiswal could replace Gill as Rohit’s opening partner.
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Dinesh Karthik really wasn’t so keen on the fact, stating “Why? Rohit and Shubman are a very good combination. Yes, Jaiswal has a great opportunity to be the backup opener and he will get his chance if Shubman doesn’t perform as he is expected to. But right now, India has a good middle order, and I believe Rohit and Shubman will be the opening pair for the Champions Trophy.”
He also said that experimentation time is highly limited for India before the Champions Trophy, as there are only three more ODIs to be held ahead. Dinesh Karthik was pretty confident the team management would go with the opening pair of Rohit and Gill because of their experience.
India’s Champions Trophy preparation will include a three-match ODI series against England early next year. This will therefore become an important series for India to make a comeback from their latest 0-2 defeat in a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
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The venue for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has been fixed between February 19 and March 9 across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. However, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 and whether they participate in the said competition or not on Pakistani soil still remains a conjecture. In case of an Indian pullout, the tournament may either be shifted out of Pakistan or played in a hybrid format.
