summary: Reports suggest tension in Team India’s dressing room ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, with a star wicketkeeper allegedly upset over selection snub. Coach Gautam Gambhir dismisses rumors as the team preps for their opener against Bangladesh.
Star Wicketkeeper Reportedly Upset Over Selection Snub
With just two days to go before Rohit Sharma-led Team India kicks off its Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai, speculation about internal discord within the squad has surfaced. Following India’s 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, reports suggest all may not be well in the dressing room.
According to sources, a senior player—dubbed ‘Mr. Fix-it’—allegedly harbored ambitions of becoming India’s interim captain, fueling division within the squad. Additionally, it was reported that coach Gautam Gambhir expressed dissatisfaction with a younger player for leaking team-related information. Many cricket experts believe the team lacks cohesion and bonding.
BCCI Introduces New Guidelines to Maintain Discipline
In response to the reported issues, the BCCI has implemented strict guidelines, including mandatory team bus travel, restrictions on players’ families joining short tours, and a ban on personal advertising photoshoots during tournaments.
Amidst this, reports claim that an unnamed wicketkeeper is disgruntled with Gambhir over his omission from the ODI playing XI. According to a Times Now report citing sources, the player believes he was sidelined due to ‘external reasons,’ though his identity remains undisclosed. It is also unclear whether the player is part of the Champions Trophy squad.
Currently, KL Rahul has been confirmed as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the tournament. Rishabh Pant, the second wicketkeeper in the squad, reportedly suffered a minor injury during practice after being struck on the knee by a Hardik Pandya shot. While Pant limped slightly and skipped wicketkeeping drills, he did participate in batting practice, though he appeared rusty.
KL Rahul Adopts Aggressive Approach Ahead of Opener
As the Indian team intensifies preparations, Rahul, typically known for his composed batting, has been seen working on aggressive power-hitting. With Pant pushing for a place in the playing XI, Rahul’s focus on big-hitting could indicate a shift in his role.
India Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
- 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, Varun Chakaravarthy.