Sun Jan 19 11:33:42 UTC 2025: ## Coach Gambhir Overruled in India’s Champions Trophy Selection; Bumrah’s Fitness in Doubt
**NEW DELHI** – A rift within the Indian cricket team’s leadership has emerged ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. According to Dainik Jagran, head coach Gautam Gambhir was overruled on key selection decisions, sparking a disagreement with captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Gambhir reportedly advocated for Hardik Pandya as vice-captain and Sanju Samson as wicket-keeper, but Sharma and Agarkar favored Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant respectively. This disagreement resulted in a lengthy meeting before the squad announcement.
Meanwhile, the fitness of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah remains a major concern. Chief selector Agarkar confirmed Bumrah may miss the first two ODIs against England due to a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Harshit Rana has been named as a replacement, pending a February update on Bumrah’s condition from the medical team. While Bumrah is included in the Champions Trophy squad, he’s been advised to rest for five weeks, impacting his availability for the early stages of the tournament. Agarkar also echoed Rohit Sharma’s previous call for greater transparency from the National Cricket Academy regarding player fitness updates.
The final Champions Trophy squad must be submitted to the ICC by February 11th. The three-match ODI series against England, beginning February 6th, serves as a crucial warm-up before the tournament kicks off on February 19th.
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