A worrying trend seems to be growing in Indian cricket. Gautam Gambhir appears unwilling to back players who were once part of Shreyas Iyer’s IPL captaincy. After sidelining Shreyas, the latest name dropped is Arshdeep Singh.
Arshdeep’s T20I Record Speaks Volumes
Arshdeep has been India’s best pacer in T20Is. He even surpassed Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal to become the all-time leading wicket-taker in the format. His efforts also played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup win.
Champions Trophy 2025 Selection Controversy
Despite his record, Gambhir excluded Arshdeep from the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Instead, he handed a place to KKR pacer Harshit Rana, a move many believe was unfair. Fans argue Rana never deserved to be picked over Arshdeep.
Ignored in Tests Too
The trend doesn’t end with white-ball cricket. Arshdeep did not get a single Test in England. Lesser known pacers like Anshul Kamboj, bowling at just 120 KPH, were given opportunities while Arshdeep sat out. Fans say dropping him from his best format is baffling.
IPL Links Raising Questions
The repeated sidelining of players connected with Shreyas Iyer in the IPL is now hard to ignore. Gambhir’s choices suggest a pattern where association matters more than performance.
Strong Asia Cup Record Overlooked
Arshdeep’s consistent spells in Dubai during the 2022 Asia Cup showed his ability to deliver under pressure. Still, he continues to miss out across formats, even in crucial matches.
Fans Lash Out on Social Media
Fans are venting their anger online. Many accuse Gambhir of politics in selection and slam Arshdeep’s exclusion despite his record-breaking T20I performances. Some believe Shreyas Iyer’s teammates are unfairly targeted.
Divided Opinions on Gambhir
A section of fans even claim this is a “new agenda by brainless Kohli fans” against Gambhir. The debate reflects deep divisions among supporters.
Merit or Politics?
The larger concern is clear. Merit seems ignored, and top performers are being sidelined. With big tournaments ahead, India needs its best players. If politics drives team selection, performance could take a hit.
