Only days ahead of their first match against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian cricket team is in the midst of controversy. It is reported that a star wicketkeeper-batter is not pleased with head coach Gautam Gambhir for being left out of the playing XI. The cricketer feels that outside forces were at play, and this has led to speculation about dissension in the team.
Who is the Unhappy Wicketkeeper-Batter?
Even though the report does not identify the player, India’s limited talent pool of wicketkeeper-batters limits the options. KL Rahul has already been signed up as the tournament’s first-choice wicketkeeper. Meanwhile, another strong contender, Rishabh Pant, has just gone down with a knee injury in a training session in Dubai and is now under doubt.
But two prominent wicketkeeper-batters, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, were left out of the team. Kishan’s absence has been a point of discussion since he missed domestic games, even though BCCI had made it clear that domestic cricket was to be given priority. Even after his record-breaking ODI double-century against Bangladesh, his exclusion indicates a change in the team’s approach. Likewise, Sanju Samson, who has become India’s go-to wicketkeeper in T20Is, was also left out.
Choice Policy of Gautam Gambhir Under The Scanner
This is Gautam Gambhir’s initial ICC tournament as India’s head coach, and his choice decisions are already in the limelight. Even though India dominated England in the recent T20I (4-1) and ODI (3-0) series, internal conflict is in danger of overshadowing their Champions Trophy campaign.
Gambhir has openly supported KL Rahul, but doubts remain regarding whether the choices have been fair and square. According to sources, some of the decisions that put some of the players out of favor may have been influenced by past performances and personal ties.
Ahead of an important event for India, the scandal provides an unnecessary diversion. Everyone will be watching the team’s performance on and off the field as the campaign gets underway against Bangladesh.
