Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said that Yashasvi Jaiswal is unlikely to feature in the playing XI in the 2025 Champions Trophy despite his stunning show with the bat. However, Harbhajan stated that Jaiswal would have opened with Rohit Sharma had Shubman Gill not been named vice-captain. However, Team India announced their 15-member Champions Trophy 2025 squad on Saturday, January 18. While Rohit was retained as captain, Gill was named his deputy as well.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan Singh said: “Everyone was saying that Jaiswal should have been picked because he showed in Australia that he is ready. People not only wanted him in the team, but wanted him be part of the playing XI as well. But that is difficult now since Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain. Since Gill is the vice-captain, he will open.”
“In case Yashasvi opens, Gill will have to move down to three and Virat Kohli to four. But then where will Shreyas Iyer bat? The train gets derailed. I feel Yashasvi should have played because a cricketer should be given a chance when he is form. If Gill had not been named vice-captain, Jaiswal would have been picked in the playing XI. Now that Gill is the vice-captain, he cannot be dropped,” Harbhajan Singh further added.

Speaking at the press conference after Team India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad was announced on Saturday, Team India captain Rohit shared that Jaiswal was selected based on his recent form and potential as well.
“We picked Jaiswal on the basis of what he has shown in the last few months despite not playing ODI cricket. He has been picked on potential and sometimes you have to do that.”“In that, some players will miss out, it’s very unlucky but you can’t please everyone. You try and make the best team to win games in different situations and I feel with these guys you can have that,” he concluded.