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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly denied reports of internal conflict within the team management, specifically addressing rumors of tension between head coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. These reports emerged following India's disappointing performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where they suffered a 1-3 defeat. Rajeev Shukla, speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Kho Kho World Cup, categorically stated that the claims of a rift were 'completely wrong,' emphasizing that there is no discord among the coach, selection committee chairman, and captain. This declaration aims to quell speculation and reassure fans ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19th to March 9th, will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. India's matches will be played in the UAE under a hybrid model. The tournament features eight teams competing in 15 50-over matches. The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is set for February 23rd in Dubai, adding significant excitement to the tournament. India's campaign begins on February 20th against Bangladesh, with their final league match against New Zealand on March 2nd. Group A comprises Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.
The BCCI also announced a timeline for the selection of the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy. Shukla confirmed that the final squad will be revealed on February 18th or 19th after a meeting between the selection committee and the secretary. This announcement provides a sense of urgency and anticipation for Indian cricket fans eagerly awaiting the team composition. The selection process will undoubtedly take into account the recent performances of key players, particularly Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, whose poor form in the Border-Gavaskar series has been a topic of much discussion.
The underperformance of star batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2024-25 Test season was addressed by Shukla. He acknowledged their slump in form, attributing it to the cyclical nature of a sporting career. He specifically cited Rohit's decision to opt out of the Sydney Test as an example of a player recognizing and managing their own form. The statistics highlight the extent of their struggles; Rohit managed only 164 runs in eight matches and 15 innings at a dismal average of 10.93, while Virat scored a meager 382 runs in 10 matches and 19 innings at an average of 22.87. Despite these disappointing numbers, Shukla expressed confidence that they would overcome this phase and return to their usual high standards.
Beyond the cricket news, Shukla also spoke about the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup being held in New Delhi. He emphasized the importance of supporting this Indian sport on the world stage, highlighting its significance as a unique cultural event. The tournament, which began on January 16th and runs until January 19th, is receiving participation from numerous international teams. The opening match saw India's men's team securing a victory over Nepal. The women's competition commences on January 17th with a match between England and Australia. This underscores the BCCI's commitment to promoting not only international cricket but also other traditional Indian sports on a global platform. The successful staging of the Kho Kho World Cup complements the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Source: Rift Between Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar? BCCI Breaks Silence On Rumours