Team India’s middle-order strategy sparks heated debate between head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, raising concerns over squad clarity before ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
February 16, 2025: Gambhir vs. Agarkar: Selection Dispute Over Pant & Iyer Creates Rifts in Team India’s Champions Trophy Plans
As India gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a selection dispute between head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar has surfaced, particularly regarding Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. This disagreement has reportedly led to heated debates within the team management.
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Contradictory Statements on Rishabh Pant
When India’s preliminary squad was announced, Ajit Agarkar had named Pant as the No.1 wicketkeeper, but the dynamic batter didn’t play a single ODI against England. However, after the 3-0 ODI series victory, Gambhir dismissed that notion, instead stating that KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in ODIs.
“Ultimately, it’s very difficult to talk about individuals, but all I can say is that if Pant is a part of the squad, he will get an opportunity. But at the moment, obviously, KL is our number one wicketkeeper, and he’s delivered for us,” said Gambhir.
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This conflicting stance on Pant’s role has fueled speculation over India’s wicketkeeping strategy in the Champions Trophy.
Shreyas Iyer’s Selection Drama
Another selection conundrum revolved around Shreyas Iyer, who was initially set to be benched in the first ODI against England in favour of Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, an injury to Virat Kohli led to Iyer’s inclusion, where he scored a crucial half-century.
Following his strong performance, Iyer retained his place for the remaining two ODIs. However, the initial intent to bench him raised concerns over management’s inconsistency in middle-order selections.
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Former Selector Criticizes Selection Calls
Former India selector Devang Gandhi backed Gambhir’s leadership but emphasized the need for consistency in middle-order selections, highlighting how past issues with the No.4 position haunted India in crucial matches.
“What happened then was nobody else got time to settle down from No.4 onwards. The rest of the batting wasn’t sure of the role they had to play. When the top order collapsed in big matches, the middle-order looked clueless. Hopefully, it isn’t the case this time,” Gandhi told TOI.
Axar Patel’s Promotion Sparks Confusion
Another surprising move saw Axar Patel batting at No.5, ahead of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya, in two out of three ODIs. This decision baffled experts, as Iyer, who had a standout 2023 World Cup campaign, was almost dropped for the series.
Gandi further questioned, “The idea to bench Iyer at the start of the series didn’t make sense. He was exceptional in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and India have played very few ODIs after that. If Axar is being groomed for No.5, the management must commit to it as a long-term plan leading to the 2027 World Cup.”
What’s Next for Team India?
With the Champions Trophy approaching, clarity on India’s wicketkeeping choice and middle-order strategy remains a pressing issue. Whether Gambhir’s approach or Agarkar’s selection stance prevails will shape India’s squad stability for the crucial tournament ahead.
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Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar, Team India, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Champions Trophy 2025, Indian Cricket, BCCI, ICC, Cricket Selection Debate, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel