Split between Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma over Champions Trophy squad!

New Delhi: The Indian team for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was announced on January 18, with Shubman Gill appointed as vice-captain. However, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson did not make the squad.

According to a media report, head coach Gautam Gambhir was reportedly against Gill’s appointment as vice-captain, favoring Hardik Pandya for the role.

However, captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar supported Gill’s selection over Pandya.

The announcement of the squad, originally scheduled for 12:30 pm, was delayed by three hours due to discussions about the inclusion of Samson and Hardik Pandya.

Gambhir was reportedly advocating for Samson’s inclusion as a wicketkeeper.

Hardik Pandya, who served as vice-captain during the 2023 World Cup, has now been overlooked for the leadership position.

The decision reflects a divergence in opinion among the Indian team’s management, with Rohit and Agarkar ultimately favoring Gill for the role.