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Former India wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh Karthik recently opened up, suggesting his pick of openers in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Speaking with Cricbuzz, the former Indian cricketer added that Team India will now set their eyes on the Champions Trophy triumph, which is scheduled to be held in February-March 2025 after the Rohit Sharma-led Team India ended their ICC trophy draught by lifting the T20 World Cup 2024 title in West Indies in June.
Karthik, who has been a veteran of the sport added that the team management does not have much time to experiment as majority of players will be same as the 2023 ODI World Cup squad. However, he believes that Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to be named in the 15-man squad after some impressive performances. Although he did name him in the squad, the former RCB cricketer feels he might not open with Rohit.
Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma to open for India in Champions Trophy 2025: Dinesh Karthik
The 39-year-old however named Yashasvi Jaiswal’s addition in the side, but opted to go with Shubman Gill as Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma’s opening pair for the next ICC major tournament. “Why? Rohit and Shubman are a very good combination. Yes, Jaiswal has a great opportunity to be the backup opener and will get his opportunity soon if Shubman doesn’t go as well as expected. And India has a very solid middle order as well," Karthik told Cricbuzz.
“In the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, they are just going to be playing three more games. And I am pretty confident it’s going to be Rohit and Shubman opening for the Champions Trophy,” he added. It is to be noted that India has trusted Gill to accompany Rohit at the top in 50-over format during international assignments since the beginning of last year.
It is to be noted that Champions Trophy is set to mark its return next year in February - March 2025. The tournament, which will be played in 50-over format will be played tentatively from February 19 till March 9 in Pakistan. Despite the tentative schedule already out, India’s travel to Pakistan is still under talks with the Indian government set to take a call on the same.
