Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar fight with each other on these Indian players during Champions Trophy selection
Published - 16 Feb 2025, 11:55 AM | Updated - 16 Feb 2025, 11:35 PM
India head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar had a “heated discussion” over the squad selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Gambhir and Agarkar had disagreements regarding Shreyas Iyer’s place and the battle between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the primary wicketkeeper.
The middle order, especially Shreyas Iyer, is the biggest positive for India from the recently concluded home ODI series against England. Notably, Iyer was not supposed to play the series opener. However, the right-handed batter made it into the playing XI after Virat Kohli was ruled out due to a knee issue.
India's Middle Order Played a Crucial Role in Whitewash Victory Over England
India's middle order played a crucial role, especially with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma showing form only in patches. The No. 4-7 batters amassed 375 runs across three innings at a strike rate of 116.42, with three fifties, while England’s middle order managed just 278 runs at 23.16, with two half-centuries.
Shreyas Iyer scored 181 runs at an average of 60.33, including two fifties. Despite initially considering dropping him for a left-right top-order combination, the management stuck with him. The team also backed Axar Patel’s promotion in the batting order to maintain the left-right balance in the middle overs.
Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar Engaged in "Heated" Debate Over Champions Trophy Selection
According to the Times of India, Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar had a "heated" discussion over Shreyas Iyer's retention in the Champions Trophy squad. The report also stated that Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma backed KL Rahul as the primary wicketkeeper, while Agarkar was in favor of Rishabh Pant.
"Selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar, while announcing the Champions Trophy squad, had claimed Pant was the first-choice wicketkeeper. As it turned out, Pant is the only player in the squad who didn't get a game in the three ODIs in the England series. Sources indicated that there had been heated debate in the selection meeting around retaining Shreyas Iyer in the team and over the second wicketkeeper's slot," read the TOI report.
It's Very Difficult to Talk About Individuals - Gautam Gambhir
In his final press conference before the Champions Trophy, Gautam Gambhir stated that Shreyas Iyer was never meant to be benched for the entire ODI series. He revealed that they wanted to give an opportunity to Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gambhir also confirmed that KL Rahul is the first-choice wicketkeeper.
“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," Gautam Gambhir said.
KL Rahul played all three ODIs against England but struggled with the bat. The right-handed batter managed to score just 52 runs at an average of under 18. He was slotted at No. 6 in the first two matches before moving back to No. 5 in the final ODI, where he played a quickfire knock of 40.
