Is everything satisfactory within Team India? After navigating the challenges of the Australia tour, the team delivered an impressive performance in the white-ball series against England, securing a 4-1 victory in the T20Is and achieving a clean sweep of 3-0 in the ODIs. However, not all is harmonious within the squad. Tensions have emerged in the Indian dressing room, as reports of a new rift surfaced on Tuesday, just two days prior to India's Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium in the UAE. A report from Times Now indicates that a prominent Indian cricketer has expressed dissatisfaction with head coach Gautam Gambhir for not selecting him as the primary wicketkeeper in India's Champions Trophy lineup.

The report did not disclose the identity of the keeper-batter or confirm his inclusion in India's Champions Trophy squad, but given the context, there are limited possibilities to consider.

"Sources have exclusively informed Times Now that a current Indian wicketkeeper is displeased with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The player is not currently the first choice in the ODI playing XI and believes there is an external factor contributing to his exclusion from the 50-over format," the report stated.

Who can be the cricketer concerned?

KL Rahul is undoubtedly India's primary choice as a keeper-batter for the Champions Trophy. The right-handed batsman has consistently served as India's preferred wicketkeeper and No. 6 batsman in One Day Internationals for an extended period. He was among the standout performers for India leading up to the ODI World Cup. Despite having a career primarily as an opening batsman, Rahul has adeptly transitioned to a middle-order role. As a designated keeper-batter in ODIs, the Karnataka native has accumulated 1,438 runs at an impressive average of 51.35 and a strike rate of 92.17. Although he had limited opportunities to bat during the ODIs against England, coach Gambhir confirmed that Rahul will take on the role of India's designated keeper-batter in the opening match of the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh.

Rishabh Pant is the other keeper-batter included in India's Champions Trophy squad. The left-handed batsman sustained a knee injury during a practice session on Sunday in Dubai and was observed limping on Monday. India hopes that Pant's injury, which prevented him from participating in the ODIs against England, is not serious.

Two additional players were considered for a place in India's Champions Trophy squad but ultimately did not make the cut: Sanju Samson, who has emerged as India's first-choice keeper in T20Is, and Ishan Kishan. Kishan has not been selected since failing to adhere to the BCCI's directive to participate in domestic cricket. Prior to this, he was a regular member of India's white-ball team, especially when Rishabh Pant was sidelined due to injury. Kishan notably scored a double century against Bangladesh and served as India's reserve keeper during the ODI World Cup.

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