A reported selection controversy emerges just days before India’s Champions Trophy opener, raising concerns about team harmony.
February 18, 2025: Tension in Team India? Wicketkeeper Reportedly Upset Over Champions Trophy Snub
As Team India gears up for the Champions Trophy 2025, reports of internal tension within the squad have surfaced, with a wicketkeeper allegedly upset over his exclusion from the playing XI. The report, quoting sources from Times Now, claims that a current India wicketkeeper believes he has lost his place in the ODI XI due to external factors rather than performance.
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The report does not name the player or confirm whether he is in the Champions Trophy squad. However, KL Rahul has been officially confirmed as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper by head coach Gautam Gambhir, leaving Rishabh Pant as the other wicketkeeping option.
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Gautam Gambhir’s Selection Decisions Under Scrutiny?
This is not the first time Gambhir’s approach has been questioned. Since taking over as head coach, reports have hinted at tensions within the dressing room, with claims of a ‘leak’ about internal team matters and players being unhappy with the selection process.
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The BCCI has already imposed strict team guidelines, banning:
- Personal photoshoots during tours
- Partners and wives on short tours
- Private travel arrangements (making team bus travel mandatory)
This suggests the management is keen on ensuring discipline and unity in the squad. However, the latest report of a disgruntled wicketkeeper adds a fresh layer of intrigue ahead of India’s high-pressure Champions Trophy campaign.
Rishabh Pant’s Injury Concern
Adding to the uncertainty, Rishabh Pant sustained a minor injury during training when a shot from Hardik Pandya struck his knee. He skipped wicketkeeping and fielding drills on Monday and was seen struggling at the nets, missing several deliveries and appearing rusty.
With Pant pushing for a spot in the playing XI, KL Rahul was seen intensifying his power-hitting practice, indicating that he is expected to take on the finisher’s role in the middle order.
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
✅ Rohit Sharma (C)
✅ Shubman Gill (VC)
✅ Virat Kohli
✅ Shreyas Iyer
✅ KL Rahul (WK)
✅ Rishabh Pant (WK)
✅ Hardik Pandya
✅ Axar Patel
✅ Washington Sundar
✅ Kuldeep Yadav
✅ Harshit Rana
✅ Mohammed Shami
✅ Arshdeep Singh
✅ Ravindra Jadeja
✅ Varun Chakaravarthy
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Opener
🆚 India vs. Bangladesh
📅 February 20, 2025
📍 Dubai International Stadium
With speculation about team unrest and Pant’s injury status, India’s Champions Trophy journey begins under intense scrutiny.
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India Cricket Team, Champions Trophy 2025, Gautam Gambhir, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, India vs Bangladesh, Team India Selection, Cricket News, Indian Wicketkeeper Debate, ICC Champions Trophy