Rishabh Pant angry at Gautam Gambhir!! Report reveals shocking truth before Champions Trophy 2025
Published - 18 Feb 2025, 06:12 PM | Updated - 18 Feb 2025, 11:36 PM
A current India wicketkeeper among Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, or Sanju Samson, is displeased with head coach Gautam Gambhir over his exclusion from the ODI playing XI, according to the latest news reports. The Indian cricketer, who is not the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in ODIs, believes external factors may have influenced his omission from the playing XI.
Just two days remain until India's Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh in Dubai. Rohit Sharma’s side has an opportunity to bounce back after their disappointing loss in the Test series against Australia. The ICC tournament provides India a chance at redemption as they aim for a strong campaign.
BCCI Introduced New Guidelines Following Unrest in Dressing Room
Since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach from Rahul Dravid, reports of unrest within the dressing room have surfaced. Following India's 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, rumors emerged about a player, dubbed ‘Mr. Fix-it,’ who aspired to be the interim captain of the Indian Test side.
There were claims that Gambhir was displeased with a young player for leaking internal information. In response, the BCCI introduced new guidelines, including mandatory team bus travel, restrictions on wives/partners during short tours, and a ban on personal ad photoshoots while on tour.
Rishabh Pant Unhappy With Gautam Gambhir Following His Snub
A Times Now report claims that a current India wicketkeeper is unhappy with Gautam Gambhir after being left out of the ODI playing XI. The report does not specify whether the player is part of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
"Sources have exclusively confirmed to Times Now that a current India wicketkeeper is unhappy with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The player is currently not the first choice in the playing XI for ODIs. He feels that there is an external reason behind him losing his spot in the 50-over format," read the Times Now report.
KL Rahul Is Our Number-One Wicketkeeper - Gautam Gambhir
In his final press conference before the Champions Trophy, Gautam Gambhir confirmed that KL Rahul is India's first-choice wicketkeeper for the tournament, with Rishabh Pant also included in the squad. Gambhir stated that Pant may get chances, but Rahul remains the primary wicketkeeper.
“Ultimately, it’s very difficult to talk about individuals, but all I can say is that if Rishabh 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 has sealed his place as the preferred wicketkeeper for the Men in Blue in ODIs, particularly after his strong performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite a dip in recent form, he remains a key figure in the playing XI and is expected to continue in the role during the Champions Trophy 2025.
Rishabh Pant, the other wicketkeeper in the squad, has secured his place in Test cricket but has struggled to make an impact in both white-ball formats. Since returning from his life-threatening accident, Rishabh Pant has played just one ODI match and scored six runs against Sri Lanka in 2024.
