In a recent statement that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has proposed a bold strategy for India’s batting lineup in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Ashwin suggests demoting Virat Kohli, one of the world’s most prolific batsmen, in favor of promoting the young and in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal to the opening position.
The Case for Yashasvi Jaiswal

Ashwin’s rationale for this unconventional move is rooted in recognizing current form and maximizing team potential. He stated, “It is the team’s responsibility to use the form of a player correctly. Yashasvi Jaiswal is the form player in the last 18 months. I feel Jaiswal has a compelling case. For two reasons – first is his form and the way he is going. While it will not happen and I will be surprised if it happens, it will be a good call for the welfare of the team.”
Jaiswal’s Recent Performances
Jaiswal’s exceptional performances over the past 18 months have not gone unnoticed. The young left-hander has been in scintillating form across formats, earning him a maiden call-up to the ODI side for the IND vs ENG series and the Champions Trophy squad. His inclusion in the team is a testament to his consistent run-scoring ability and adaptability to different formats of the game.
Strategic Advantages of the Proposed Change
Ashwin’s suggestion goes beyond merely rewarding Jaiswal’s recent form. The Tamil Nadu spinner believes that having Jaiswal open the innings would provide India with a tactical advantage against opposition bowlers. As a left-handed batsman, Jaiswal brings a different dimension to the top order, potentially disrupting the rhythm of the bowling side.
Balancing the Batting Order
Furthermore, Ashwin points out that with either Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja likely to bat at number six, India would have two left-handed batsmen in their top six if Jaiswal opens. This balance between right and left-handed batsmen throughout the order can be a significant tactical advantage, forcing bowlers to constantly adjust their lines and potentially creating more scoring opportunities.
Jaiswal’s Impact in Recent Times
It’s worth noting that Jaiswal was the highest run-getter for India in the previous calendar year, showcasing his ability to perform consistently at the highest level. His performances across formats have not only earned him a place in the Champions Trophy squad but have also put him in contention for a key role in India’s batting lineup.
The Virat Kohli Factor
While Ashwin’s suggestion focuses on promoting Jaiswal, it implicitly involves demoting Virat Kohli in the batting order. Kohli, a stalwart of Indian cricket and one of the most successful batsmen in the history of the game, has been a fixture at the number three position for years. The proposal to move him down the order is not one to be taken lightly, as it could have significant implications for both Kohli’s role in the team and the overall batting strategy.
Potential Benefits of Kohli’s Demotion
Ashwin’s reasoning seems to be based on the idea of best utilizing the strengths of each player. While Kohli’s record as a number three batsman is impeccable, there’s an argument to be made for his ability to anchor the innings from a slightly lower position. This move could potentially allow Kohli to play a more stabilizing role in the middle order, especially in situations where quick runs are needed or wickets have fallen early.
The Shubman Gill Conundrum
Adding another layer to this complex situation is the current form of Shubman Gill. Despite being appointed as the vice-captain, Gill has had a relatively lean run in ODIs recently. His last ten innings in the 50-over format have not been particularly impressive, which adds another dimension to the selection dilemma. While Gill’s leadership role almost guarantees his place in the playing XI, there’s now a question of whether he should retain his opening position or potentially move down the order to accommodate Jaiswal.
Balancing Form, Experience, and Team Dynamics
This situation highlights the complex decisions that team management and selectors face when preparing for a major tournament like the Champions Trophy. Balancing factors such as current form, past performance, team dynamics, and strategic considerations is no easy task. Ashwin’s suggestion, while controversial, opens up a valuable dialogue about how teams can best utilize their resources to maximize their chances of success.
Psychological Impact on Players
It’s also worth considering the psychological impact of such a change on the players involved. For Jaiswal, being promoted to open in a major tournament could be a significant confidence boost, potentially elevating his game even further. On the other hand, the effect on Kohli’s mindset of being moved down the order needs to be carefully considered. As one of the most mentally strong cricketers in the game, Kohli might view this as a new challenge to overcome, but it’s an aspect that cannot be overlooked.
The Likelihood of Implementation
Despite the compelling arguments put forth by Ashwin, he himself acknowledges the unlikelihood of this change actually being implemented. His statement, “While it will not happen and I will be surprised if it happens,” indicates that he’s aware of the radical nature of his suggestion. This acknowledgment adds an interesting layer to the discussion, as it raises questions about the balance between innovation in team strategy and respect for established norms and player roles.
A Thought-Provoking Proposal
R Ashwin’s suggestion to demote Virat Kohli and promote Yashasvi Jaiswal in India’s batting order for the Champions Trophy 2025 is a bold and thought-provoking proposal. While it may not come to fruition, it has sparked an important conversation about team strategy, the value of current form, and the balance between tradition and innovation in cricket. As the Champions Trophy approaches, it will be interesting to see how India’s team management addresses these considerations and what lineup they ultimately decide to field. Regardless of the final decision, this debate serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of cricket strategy and the constant need for teams to adapt and innovate to stay competitive at the highest level.