NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has endorsed the team management’s decision to appoint Shubman Gill as the vice-captain for the Champions Trophy, calling it a “forward-thinking move.” Ashwin highlighted that Gill’s spot in the playing XI is secure, making him a natural choice to be groomed as a future leader.
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Discussing the decision on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated, “Think about who else in the current squad could be considered for the vice-captain role. I’m not saying whether the decision to make Shubman Gill vice-captain is right or wrong, but it’s clear that the management is looking ahead. He was the vice-captain in the last series too, and I believe he has some vice-captaincy experience in Tests as well.”
While Gill has been named the vice-captain for ODIs, Axar Patel has been given the same role in T20Is. Ashwin noted that this choice reflects stability, given Gill’s established place in the team.
“Both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul could play in the XI, but the management has opted for a player whose spot is secure. If Shubman Gill is groomed for leadership, he can lean on the guidance of senior players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah,” he said.
Team composition and challenges
Ashwin pointed out that the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy resembles the one from the 2023 ODI World Cup. He flagged the lack of left-handers in the top seven and the absence of a reliable batting option at No. 8 as areas of concern.
“Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are right-handed openers, followed by Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer at 3 and 4. KL Rahul bats at 5, with Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel at 6 and Hardik Pandya at 7. Beyond that, we lack left-handers. Outside the XI, we have options like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant,” he explained.
Potential inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal
Ashwin discussed scenarios where Jaiswal, one of the standout performers from the Australia Test series, could make his ODI debut.
“Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured. But if he performs well, it could open up new possibilities. For instance, Jaiswal could open with Rohit, Gill could move to No. 3, and Virat to No. 4. This would push Pant or KL Rahul to 5, but it might mean Shreyas Iyer misses out,” he said.
Role of Washington Sundar
Ashwin also spoke about Sundar’s potential impact, given his all-round abilities.
“Gautam Gambhir values Washington for his batting. He could be used as a floater in the lineup. If he bats at No. 8, it provides flexibility to play three pacers or a mix of Kuldeep Yadav and two fast bowlers, utilizing Hardik’s all-round skills,” Ashwin noted.
Challenges in Dubai conditions
India will play all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, where dew could significantly influence team combinations. Ashwin suggested that dew might make it challenging to include certain players.
“If dew is a factor, Sundar at 8 may not work. In such a scenario, Kuldeep Yadav could bat at 8, and the team might opt for three seamers – Bumrah, Shami, and Arshdeep,” he said.
Ashwin concluded by stressing the need to address India’s lower-order batting depth.
“In the 2023 World Cup, we struggled for batting depth beyond No. 7. These are the crucial questions the management must address to strike the right balance for the Champions Trophy.”
