Fri Feb 07 08:01:39 UTC 2025: ## Iyer’s Movie Night Hint Reveals Potential India Champions Trophy Lineup

**Nagpur, India** – Shreyas Iyer’s unexpected inclusion in India’s first ODI against England has sparked speculation about the team’s plans for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Iyer, who scored a quick 59, revealed he was initially not in the starting XI but was called up after Virat Kohli’s injury. This late call-up, coupled with his comments, has fuelled debate regarding India’s batting order for the upcoming tournament.

Iyer’s story of a movie night interrupted by a call from captain Rohit Sharma suggests a potential shift in India’s batting strategy. His presence at number four implies that, barring injury, Kohli will bat at number three, and with the possibility of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma opening, Shubman Gill could occupy the number three spot, as he did in the first ODI.

This lineup contrasts with expectations after the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Iyer cemented his position at number four. Experts like Parthiv Patel and Kevin Pietersen were left surprised by the implication that Jaiswal might open, having played only three ODIs. While Iyer remained coy about India’s official plans, the unexpected change suggests a strategic approach to selecting the team for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The current ODI series is widely seen as a testing ground for the mega event. The possibility of a left-right opening combination of Jaiswal and Rohit is a key element of the emerging narrative.

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