ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Hardik Pandya was supposed to be India vice-captain?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled India’s squad for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. The announcement followed a comprehensive internal meeting, where key officials and the team management extensively discussed the final composition of the squad. Rohit Sharma, who continues to captain the Indian team across formats, will lead the squad in the prestigious tournament.

Ahead of the official announcement, the BCCI’s decision-making process was under intense scrutiny, as the board wanted to ensure they put together a balanced and competitive lineup for the Champions Trophy. The meeting involved detailed deliberations about player form, fitness, and team dynamics, with special focus on the performance of key players in the ongoing domestic and international fixtures. It’s understood that the BCCI consulted with team management and selectors to finalize the squad based on recent form and the specific conditions expected in the tournament.

The Champions Trophy, being one of the most significant ICC events, has always been a highly anticipated competition for the Indian team. The BCCI’s selection for this year’s edition was influenced by a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talent, all aimed at securing a strong showing. With Rohit Sharma at the helm, India will look to reclaim the Champions Trophy title, adding another prestigious trophy to their collection.

Recent reports have revealed a disagreement between head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Rohit Sharma over the choice of vice-captain for the Indian squad. While Shubman Gill was ultimately named as Rohit's deputy for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, sources indicate that Gambhir had a different preference. According to these reports, Gambhir favored Hardik Pandya for the vice-captain role, citing his leadership qualities and all-round abilities. However, after discussions, Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar decided to go with Shubman Gill as the vice-captain.

The decision to appoint Gill, a promising young talent with a stellar record in recent international cricket, was likely influenced by his maturity and consistency at the top of the order. While Gambhir’s preference for Pandya is understandable given his experience and impact in all formats, the final call was made by Rohit and Agarkar, who appear to have prioritized Gill’s potential for leadership in the long run. This difference of opinion has sparked some debate, but the focus remains on the squad's readiness for the Champions Trophy, with the leadership structure now set for the tournament.

In addition to the vice-captaincy debate, reports suggest that head coach Gautam Gambhir also advocated for including Sanju Samson in the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. However, skipper Rohit Sharma preferred to stick with Rishabh Pant as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. Gambhir’s support for Samson likely stemmed from his consistent performances and ability to bring stability to the middle order. On the other hand, Rohit and the selectors have shown faith in Pant, who has been an integral part of the team, both with the gloves and in key batting roles. Despite Gambhir's push for Samson’s inclusion, the final call was made in favor of Pant, aligning with the team's existing strategy. This disagreement highlights the differences in approach between the two, but the decision ultimately reflects the team's preference for continuity with Pant as the preferred choice for the crucial tournament.