Gautam Gambhir backstabbed amidst reports of Rohit Sharma tussle

Gautam Gambhir's childhood coach Sanjay Bharadwaj has picked the best Indian captain ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to commence on February 19. Sanjay Bharadwaj named Rohit Sharma as the best captain ahead of players like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Gautam Gambhir.

Rohit was last seen in action during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. He has been under scrutiny following his underwhelming performance in the series, where he scored just 31 runs across five innings. Over his last 15 Test innings, he has amassed only 164 runs, with just one half-century.

Rohit Sharma is the Best Captain - Sanjay Bhardwaj

In the Raunak Podcast, Sanjay Bhardwaj was asked about the best captain among MS Dhoni, Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Gautam Gambhir.

Bhardwaj called Rohit the best captain, stating that the younger players describe him as a fun-loving person. He emphasized that Rohit’s positive attitude and camaraderie make him a favorite among his teammates.

"Jaise jo team ke bachche hain, jo batate hain, baat-baath karte hain, toh usmein Rohit Sharma hai. Wo kehte hain ki back karta bohot zyada, masti aati uske saath khelte hain, wo khud masta aadmi hai, toh masti aati uske saath khelte hain. [Rohit Sharma is the Best Captain. When I talk to the kids & players, they say that Rohit Sharma is the best, he is a very good person & we enjoy playing with him and he's a very fun loving person.]"

The 37-year-old batter opted out of the fifth Test match in Sydney, with Jasprit Bumrah taking over the charge. Team India lost the series by a 3-1 margin despite winning the first Test in Perth. As India's Test skipper, Rohit has lost five out of his last six Tests, including a draw in the third Test in Brisbane.

I Like Virat Kohli's Attitude and His Aggression - Sanjay Bhardwaj

Sanjay Bhardwaj also praised Virat Kohli for his attitude and aggression. He highlighted Kohli's strong desire to win matches for the team. Bhardwaj described Kohli as a fighter who always aims for victory.

"I like Virat Kohli's attitude and his aggression. His attitude always to win matches for the team. He's a fighter, He always wants to win".

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Retained for the 2025 Champions Trophy

The ODI series against England will be crucial for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as both have been retained for the 2025 Champions Trophy, but their form will be closely monitored by the selectors. The two players were key in India's 2023 World Cup campaign, where the Men in Blue finished as runners-up.

However, both have had limited ODI exposure in 2024, with just three matches played. The England series offers them an opportunity to regain their rhythm. India will open their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, with all their matches to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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