VVS Laxman picks the Indian opening pair for the Champions Trophy

Ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy, VVS Laxman picked his two openers for Team India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet announced the squad for the upcoming ICC champions Trophy. With the Indian Premier League going on, it is a huge platform for the youngsters to showcase their talent to the selectors and get picked in the team for the Champions Trophy.

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman, however, is extremely entranced with India discard Shikhar Dhawan’s form and is hoping that the left-hander gets included in the squad for the tournament the Men in Blue will defend. He also named the opening pair of his choice that he wants to see open for India in the tournament.

“I think it is great to see Shikhar batting the way he is. He looks in very good rhythm. Also, he is in good space of mind. And I am sure the way he is batting, he will win more and more matches for the franchise. I am hoping that he will get a place in the Champions Trophy. I believe Shikhar and Rohit are the right players to open in England.” The SRH mentor said.

Laxman was also optimistic about India’s chances in the Champions Trophy that gets underway from June 1. The right-handed batsman clearly said that he expects India to make it to the semi-finals easily.

“I believe India has got a very good chance in the Champions Trophy. But whether it’s T20 or 50-over format, whichever team performs well on that day, they win the game. I believe at this moment I can choose the four semi-finalists and India will be one among them.”

Laxman is the mentor of the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Shikhar plays for the same team. The southpaw has scored 235 runs from his six games so far which is pretty good. With other emerging players like Rishabh Pant, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi who has been doing well in this year’s IPL it will be quite interesting to find out who makes it to the squad.