Dinesh Karthik backs Shubman Gill as opener for Champions Trophy
Former Indian wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik believes Shubman Gill should open for India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This endorsement comes despite some cricket enthusiasts and experts questioning Gill's position due to his recent performance dip. Gill has been openeing alongside Rohit Sharma for Team India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). They also paired up in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Karthik backed Gill to continue with this role.
Karthik's confidence in Rohit-Gill duo for Champions Trophy
Karthik, on a Cricbuzz show, asserted that "Rohit and Gill are a very good combination." The former Indian batter further stated that he is "pretty confident it's going to be Rohit and Shubman opening for the Champions Trophy." As mentioned, Rohit and Gill formed India's opening pair in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The duo was pivotal to their success. Rohit and Gill also opened for India in their recently-concluded ODI series in Sri Lanka.
Rohit, Gill average 72.16 as opening pair in ODIs
Rohit and Gill have opened together in 25 ODIs as of now. They have scored 1,732 runs between them while returning unbeaten once. Their average of 72.16 is the best for Indian opening pair with a minimum of 1,000 runs in the format. Their tally includes five centuries and 11 half-centuries. Overall, Rohit and Gill have the fifth-most runs by an Indian opening pair in ODI cricket.
Karthik sees Jaiswal as potential backup opener
Yashasvi Jaiswal is another potential opener, who made his international debut last year and has quickly gained recognition in Tests and T20 Internationals. Despite many viewing Jaiswal as a future ODI opener, Karthik believes that Gill will maintain his position in the upcoming ICC tournament. He suggested that Jaiswal could serve as an effective backup opener for India.
India's road to Champions Trophy
Following a surprising 0-2 defeat in the three-ODI series against Sri Lanka, India are set to compete against England in another three-match ODI series next year. This will be their final challenge before taking part in the 2025 Champions Trophy The tournament features eight teams and is scheduled to take place in Pakistan between February 19 to March 9. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will host the match.
