Tensions Rise in Team India Selection! Gambhir and BCCI Disagree Over Iyer and Pant’s Role

As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, reports suggest that head coach Gautam Gambhir and the BCCI selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, were involved in a heated discussion over squad selections. The main points of contention? The inclusion of Shreyas Iyer and the second-choice wicketkeeper for the tournament.

According to a report by the Times of India, sources revealed that the selection meeting witnessed intense debates regarding whether to retain Shreyas Iyer and the decision between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant for the wicketkeeping role.

“Sources indicated that there had been heated debate in the selection meeting around retaining Shreyas Iyer in the team and over the second-choice wicketkeeper’s slot,”

the report stated

This latest development highlights a possible difference in opinion between Gambhir and the BCCI selection panel, raising questions about team strategy and balance ahead of the marquee ICC event.

KL Rahul vs Rishabh Pant: The Wicketkeeper Dilemma

One of the key areas of disagreement was the selection of India’s first-choice and backup wicketkeeper for the Champions Trophy.

During India’s recent 3-0 ODI series win over England, KL Rahul played in all three games as the designated wicketkeeper-batter, while Rishabh Pant did not get any game time. This decision drew criticism, as Pant was expected to be India’s primary wicketkeeper for the Champions Trophy, based on the initial selection announcement by Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI selection committee.

However, Gambhir publicly backed KL Rahul, stating that he would continue as India’s No.1 keeper going into the Champions Trophy.

“KL is our No 1 wicketkeeper, and this is what I can say at the moment. Rishabh Pant will get his chance, but at the moment, it is KL who has done well, and we cannot play two wicketkeeper-batters,”

Gambhir told the media after India’s 3-0 series win against England

Why Did Gambhir Favor KL Rahul Over Pant?

• Rahul has been consistent as India’s wicketkeeper since the 2023 ODI World Cup, playing a crucial role in India’s final run.
• His ability to anchor the middle-order provides balance to the batting lineup.
• India cannot afford two wicketkeeper-batters in the XI, as per Gambhir’s team strategy.

Why Was Pant’s Exclusion a Talking Point?

• Ajit Agarkar and selectors initially backed Pant to be India’s primary wicketkeeper.
• Pant’s match-winning ability as an aggressive left-handed batter could provide greater flexibility.
• Several former players, including Ravi Shastri, criticized the decision to bench Pant against England, believing he deserved game time before the Champions Trophy.

Despite the debates, Gambhir’s decision suggests that KL Rahul will retain his spot, while Pant might miss out unless an injury forces a last-minute change.

Shreyas Iyer’s Inclusion Sparks Another Debate

Another point of contention in the selection meeting was Shreyas Iyer’s place in the squad.

Iyer, who has struggled with injuries, made an impressive return in the ODI series against England, scoring 181 runs to finish as India’s second-highest run-getter.

📊 Shreyas Iyer’s Performance vs England (3 ODIs):

✅ 181 runs in 3 matches
✅ Highest Score: 87
✅ Consistent middle-order stability

His form strengthened his case for India’s No.4 or No.5 position, especially given the team’s previous middle-order struggles.

However, there were differing views on his inclusion, with selectors reportedly unsure about picking him over younger middle-order options.

Why Some Selectors Had Doubts About Iyer?

• His fitness remains a concern, as he has suffered multiple injuries over the last two years.
• India has experimented with younger middle-order players like Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh, both of whom offer explosiveness in the middle overs.
• Axar Patel’s rise as a reliable batting option meant India could use an extra all-rounder instead of a specialist middle-order batter.

Why Gambhir Pushed for Iyer’s Inclusion?

• Proven ODI experience in ICC tournaments.
• Reliable under pressure, as seen in his performances during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
• Provides stability at No.4 or No.5, a crucial position for India.

Eventually, it seems Gambhir won the argument, as Iyer has been included in the squad. His form will be crucial for India’s chances in the Champions Trophy.

Axar Patel’s Rising Role Adds to Pant’s Woes

One of the major factors that further reduced Pant’s chances of making the XI was the decision to promote Axar Patel up the batting order.

📊 Axar’s Batting Performance vs England:

✅ 52 runs (1st ODI)
✅ 41 (2nd ODI, Not Out)*

Axar’s ability to contribute as a left-handed batter in the middle order provides India with much-needed balance. His contributions in T20 World Cup 2024, where he scored 47 in the final against South Africa, further strengthened his case.

With Axar excelling, India has less need for Pant’s left-handed batting and is likely to prioritize Rahul as the only wicketkeeper in the squad.

India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad: Key Takeaways

• KL Rahul remains India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, backed by Gambhir despite selector debates.
• Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion was a debated topic, but his strong performances ensured his selection.
• Axar Patel’s all-round performances strengthened his place in the XI, reducing the need for Pant.
• India is entering the Champions Trophy with strong momentum, following a 3-0 series win over England.

📅 India’s Champions Trophy Fixtures

📌 India vs Bangladesh – February 17, Dubai
📌 India vs Pakistan – February 23, Dubai 🔥
📌 India vs New Zealand – February 27, Abu Dhabi

Will Pant and Iyer Get a Chance?

While Gambhir has the final say, the selection debates highlight how India is fine-tuning its strategy ahead of a crucial ICC tournament.

Shreyas Iyer has proved his worth and secured a spot, but Pant’s position remains uncertain, with KL Rahul favored as the first-choice keeper.

📌 Key Questions Before the Champions Trophy:

✅ Will Gambhir’s call to back Rahul over Pant prove right?
✅ Can Shreyas Iyer deliver in a crucial ICC tournament?
✅ Will Axar Patel continue his strong all-round form?

With India aiming to win their first ICC trophy under Gambhir, these selections could define their success or failure.

📢 What do you think? Should Rishabh Pant replace KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper? Should Iyer start in the XI? Share your thoughts below!