MUMBAI: Controversy is brewing over omitting Indian cricket player Sanju Samson from the Champions Trophy squad. Many rumours are filling the internet while some sources make it certain that it was the unanimous decision from captain Rohit Sharma and the chief selector Ajit Agarkar that resulted in Sanju being shown the door yet again.
It is reported that Indian coach Gautam Gambhir strongly advocated for Sanju’s inclusion while Rohit and Agarkar zeroed in on Rishab Pant. A national media reported that the team announcement press conference scheduled for 12.30 pm on Saturday was delayed by two-and-a-half hours due to disputes over Sanju's selection and Gambhir's demands to make Hardik Pandya vice-captain. It is understood that Rohit and Agarkar arrived earlier for the announcement but the last-minute discussion dragged on.
Gambhir wanted Sanju and Rahul to be in the team as wicketkeepers. But Rohit and Agarkar wanted a left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman in the squad and held firm on the demand. After a few hours of ambiguity and stalemate, Rohit’s decision got the green signal from the panel. Both Agarkar and Rohit also rejected Gambhir's demand to make Hardik Pandya the Indian team's vice-captain in the Champions Trophy.