Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir was dismissed over two key decisions related to the team selection of the 2025 Champions Trophy, according to a report by Dainik Jagran. The report claimed that the disagreement led to a lengthy 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 become vice-captain but Rohit and Agarkar insisted on Shubman Gill's name. The other point of contention was the wicketkeeper slot as Gambhir favored the inclusion of Sanju Samson, but Rishabh Pant was eventually chosen thanks to the support of Rohit and Agarkar.
Meanwhile, chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday said Jasprit Bumrah may not be fit for the first two ODIs against England, forcing them to name Harshit Rana as a replacement while they wait for an update from the medical team on the leading pacer.
However, the peerless fast bowler was named in the squad for the Champions Trophy that follows the three-match rubber against England.
“Bumrah has been told to offload five weeks after and he will not be available for the first two ODIs against England. We are waiting for his fitness and will know his status from the medical team by early February,” Agarkar said. during a press conference he addressed along with Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
Bumrah broke down at the end of the long Border-Gavaskar Trophy, missing the second innings of the final Test in Sydney due to a back spasm after which he had undergone scans.
“We will probably hear more about his fitness in the coming week. It would have been nicer if BCCI had done that (see the update). I might be saying the wrong thing here. I know he was asked to take a five-hour defecation. ” weeks of bowling, which is the beginning of the first week of February, if I remember correctly,” Agarkar said.
He continued, “We'll probably find out a bit more around that time. What exactly it is and regarding his medical condition, I'm sure BCCI might come out with something from the physio itself.” After India's loss in the Brisbane Test, skipper Rohit had last month demanded answers from the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru on Mohammed Shami's fitness status. Agarkar also made the same point.
“It's better that it comes from the medical department than me trying to explain what exactly is wrong with him (Bumrah) but that is the time frame we were told and hopefully he will be fine after that. We are very hopeful,” he said. added.
The final selection for the Champions Trophy must be submitted to the ICC before February 11.
India will play three bilateral ODIs against England on February 6, 9 and 12 – their first 50-over matches since the tour of Sri Lanka in August last year – before the Champions Trophy begins on February 19.
(With PTI inputs)
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