Just two days before India’s highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh, reports of a rift within the squad have emerged. According to Times Now, a senior wicketkeeper-batter is reportedly unhappy with head coach Gautam Gambhir, believing that external factors have cost him a spot in the playing XI.
While the report does not name the player, speculation suggests that either KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant is at the center of the controversy. Both players are India’s designated wicketkeeping options for the tournament, but Rahul appears to have an edge over Pant in ODI selection.
Rahul, who was preferred in the recent home ODI series against England, managed 52 runs from three matches, including a 40-run knock in the third game. His solid performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he amassed 452 runs at an impressive average of 75.33, further strengthens his case for selection.
Pant, on the other hand, has played just one ODI since returning to cricket following a life-threatening car accident in December 2022. That solitary match, against Sri Lanka last year, saw him manage only six runs. His lack of recent ODI game time might be a key reason why he is not India’s first-choice keeper for the Champions Trophy.
This is not the first time tensions have reportedly surfaced under Gambhir’s leadership. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, rumors swirled about dressing room conflicts, with claims that Gambhir was frustrated over a young player leaking internal team discussions. Additionally, a report had previously hinted at a “Mr Fix-It” within the squad who aspired to be interim captain.
With India set to take on Bangladesh in their Group A opener in Dubai on Thursday, head coach Gambhir will hope to keep the squad focused on their performance rather than off-field distractions. Group A also features hosts Pakistan and New Zealand, making every match crucial for India’s knockout stage ambitions.
It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds, but with a major ICC tournament at stake, team unity will be key to India’s success.
