Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra suggested that the team led by Rohit Sharma may not need Yashasvi Jaiswal for the upcoming Champions Trophy, set to commence next week. Following a setback in head coach Gautam Gambhir's strategy, Chopra recommended that India reassess their lineup, particularly with the significant match against Pakistan approaching.

In an unexpected decision during the first ODI against England last week, India opted for a left-right batting combination due to Virat Kohli's injury. Jaiswal received his debut cap and opened alongside Rohit, while regular opener Shubman Gill was moved down to the third position.

Although it was later indicated that this strategy was devised with the Champions Trophy in mind, it did not yield the desired results. Shreyas Iyer, who was initially expected to miss the match, was included in the squad after Kohli's injury and demonstrated his value to the ODI team. Conversely, Jaiswal was dismissed for a mere 15 runs in his debut appearance.

"The batting order appears to be well-defined. Rohit has begun to score runs, and Shubman Gill, our vice-captain, is in excellent form. Virat Kohli will eventually regain his form, and even if he does not, India is unlikely to drop him. Shreyas Iyer occupies the No. 4 position. The No. 5 slot is settled, whether it is KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, or Axar Patel. One of either Rahul or Pant will need to be excluded, leaving room for an additional batter," Chopra stated on his YouTube channel.

"It is possible that Yashasvi Jaiswal may not be necessary. The intention was to maintain a left-right batting order, but that plan has now been compromised. You have made your choice, and it has not worked out," he concluded.

Jaiswal out, Siraj in?

Chopra suggested that with Yashasvi Jaiswal no longer deemed necessary for the Champions Trophy squad, where he was selected as a backup opener, India might consider Mohammed Siraj as a potential replacement due to the ongoing concerns regarding Jasprit Bumrah's fitness.

"You cannot include Yashasvi in the playing XI. Therefore, if he is not going to play, what is the purpose of taking him to the Champions Trophy? I believe that Mohammed Siraj has a greater likelihood of being included than Yashasvi Jaiswal. There is a significant possibility for Mohammed Siraj to be part of the squad, particularly if there is a need for seasoned bowlers in the lineup against Pakistan. It may be prudent to field three fast bowlers, which could lead to Siraj's inclusion, necessitating Jaiswal's exclusion," Chopra stated.

All eight teams participating have one more day to finalize their squads for the Champions Trophy.

Read Also: On this day: India's dominant victory over Australia in Nagpur

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!