Was it Rohit Sharma behind exclusion of Sanju Samson from Champions Trophy?

MUMBAI: The 15-member Indian team for the Champions Trophy tournament to be held from February 19 to March 9 was announced the other day. Shubman Gill will be the vice-captain of the team led by Rohit Sharma. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah have found a place in the team. However, the absence of Malayali star Sanju Samson in the team has left not only Malayalees but also the cricket fans very sad.

Now, details of the discussions that took place just before the announcement of the team are out. It is reported that coach Gautam Gambhir suggested Sanju Samson's name as the wicketkeeper-batsman for the Champions Trophy. However, the selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to be selected. Pant himself was chosen for the wicketkeeper's post. Gambhir also demanded that Hardik Pandya be made the vice-captain. However, Rohit and Agarkar argued for Shubman Gill. It is reported that Gill was later made the vice-captain. It is reported that there are some differences of opinion in the team selection.

Meantime, while Kohli and Shreyas Iyer were all confirmed in the team, Karun Nair, who had performed brilliantly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, did not get a chance. Opener Yashwazi Jaiswal was called up to the ODI team for the first time considering his excellence in the other two formats. When Shami returned, Mohammed Siraj lost his place.