'Gautam Gambhir Wanted Hardik Pandya...": Report Reveals Split Over Champions Trophy Squad Selection

Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir was overruled on two major decisions regarding the Champions Trophy 2025 team selection, according to a report by Dainik Jagran. The report claimed that the difference of opinion led to a long meeting between Gambhir, skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar ahead of the team announcement. According to the report, Gambhir wanted Hardik Pandya to be vice-captain but Rohit and Agarkar insisted on Shubman Gill's name. The other bone of contention was the wicket-keeper slot as Gambhir was in favour of including Sanju Samson but Rishabh Pant was ultimately chosen thanks to the backing of Rohit and Agarkar.

Meanwhile, chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday said Jasprit Bumrah may not get fit for the first two ODIs against England, forcing them to name Harshit Rana as a replacement as they await an update from the medical team on the lead pacer.

The peerless fast bowler though was named in the squad for the Champions Trophy that follows the three-match rubber against England.

"Bumrah has been told to off-load for five weeks after and he won't be available for the first two ODIs against England. We are waiting on his fitness and will know his status in early February from the medical team," Agarkar said during a press conference which he addressed alongside India captain Rohit Sharma.

Bumrah broke down at the end of the long Border-Gavaskar Trophy and missed the second innings of the final Test in Sydney due to a back spasm, following which he had undergone scans.

"We'll probably hear more over the next week or so about his fitness. It would have been nicer if BCCI had (gievn the update)... I might say the wrong thing here. I know he was asked to offload for five weeks