‘Don’t think he’s in scheme of things’ – Former India batter advocates two major changes in India’s Champions Trophy squad

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has urged Indian selectors to make two changes in the squad ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. The 47-year-old said that Washington Sundar could be replaced in the team, as he doesn’t see the youngster getting many chances. Chopra has named Harshit Rana as one of the replacements after the pacer made his ODI debut in the ongoing series versus England. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India batter said, “There are two options available. One is to leave out Washington Sundar because you haven't played him here in the first two ODIs against England as well. I don't think Washi is in your scheme of things. He will not be part of your thinking for the whole of February."

The 47-year-old also added, “Pakistan doesn't have that many left-handers. You won't think that hard about Bangladesh. You might think about him against New Zealand because they have Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, and Mitchell Santner later, but that's on the 2nd of March."

Aakash Chopra names star batter who could be dropped from the squad 

During the course of his YouTube show, Aakash Chopra revealed that Yashasvi Jaiswal can be dropped from the squad. The 23-year-old made his ODI debut in Nagpur and scored 15 runs before falling to Jofra Archer. In the second match, Jaiswal was replaced by the returning Virat Kohli. 

Chopra said, “Our batting order is looking set now. Rohit Sharma has scored runs. Shubman Gill is in incredible form. After that, Virat Kohli is at number three. He will come back to form. Shreyas Iyer is at number four, and whether you keep KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant or anyone else at number five, you have an extra batter as either Rahul or Pant would be sitting out." 

“You might not need Yashasvi. You want to do left-right but won't be able to do it now. You have played your hand and that hand has backfired. So why are you taking him if you are not going to play him? I see brighter chances of Mohammed Siraj playing than him. I don't see Yashasvi playing in any of the matches,” India’s former opener ended by saying.