Internal Conflict within Team India before Champions Trophy as Star Wicketkeeper Upset with Gautam Gambhir for Exclusion: Report
India’s Preparation for Champions Trophy 2025
India is gearing up for their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, led by captain Rohit Sharma. The team is set to face Bangladesh in their opening match in Dubai on Thursday. This tournament comes as a redemption opportunity for the Indian cricket team after their recent loss in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Reports of Discontent in the Indian Dressing Room
Following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat, reports emerged suggesting discord within the Indian dressing room. Speculations included a rumored ‘Mr. Fix-it’ seeking to become the interim captain, as well as coach Gautam Gambhir being displeased with a younger player for leaking information from the dressing room. These reports raised concerns about team bonding within the squad.
Introduction of New BCCI Guidelines
In response to the reported issues, the BCCI implemented new guidelines for the team. These included mandatory travel on the team bus, restrictions on wives/partners accompanying players on short tours, and a ban on personal ad photoshoots during tours. These measures were aimed at fostering unity and discipline within the team.
Reports of Wicketkeeper Discontent
A recent report, cited by Times Now, indicated that a current India wicketkeeper who is not part of the ODI playing XI feels aggrieved by his exclusion, attributing it to an ‘external reason’. The player’s identity was not disclosed, nor was it clarified if he is part of the Champions Trophy squad. KL Rahul has been confirmed as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the tournament, with Rishabh Pant as the backup option.
Team Training and Player Updates
During a training session, Rishabh Pant sustained a knee injury after being struck by a shot from Hardik Pandya. This raised concerns about his fitness ahead of the tournament. Meanwhile, KL Rahul focused on enhancing his power-hitting skills, indicating a shift in his approach to the finisher’s role in the team.
India Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
The Indian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 includes players like Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, and Varun Chakaravarthy.
With inputs from PTI