Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has praised the decision to include young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite not having played an ODI match yet, Jaiswal’s remarkable performances in T20Is and Tests have earned him a spot alongside experienced openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Raina described the move as a testament to Jaiswal’s hunger for runs and his dedication to the sport.

Speaking to Star Sports, Raina lauded Jaiswal’s commitment, highlighting his eagerness to excel. “I think that boy is very hungry for runs. Whenever we see his story, it’s clear he has reached this level with sheer determination. Hats off to the selectors, especially Rohit Sharma, for backing him. Without playing an ODI, he’s been included in the Champions Trophy squad. That shows his hard work and dedication,” said Raina.

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The former left-handed batter also noted Jaiswal’s distinctive attitude. “There’s a different spark in his eyes. It seems like he has come prepared. This is the beauty of Indian cricket—if you have passion and work hard, opportunities will come your way,” he added.

Jaiswal’s inclusion is backed by impressive statistics. In T20Is last year, he scored 293 runs in eight matches at an average of 41.85, including two half-centuries. Across formats, he amassed 1,771 runs in 23 matches, with a striking average of 52.08, including three centuries and 11 fifties. In List-A cricket, he has scored 1,511 runs in 32 games at an average of 53.96, with five centuries, including a double century of 203.

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, the tournament’s ninth edition, is scheduled from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE. The eight-team event will feature 15 matches, with group-stage games followed by the knockout rounds. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of defending Cricket World Cup champions Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.

India will begin its campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by a high-stakes clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. Their final group-stage match is against New Zealand on March 2.

India Squad for Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.