Indian cricket fans were left stunned on the morning of the Edgbaston Test when the team sheet revealed the inclusion of a player many didn’t expect — sparking fierce debate: did this cricketer earn his spot through merit, or did his close bond with Shubman Gill help him sneak into India’s playing XI?
The surprise selection came when India announced their final XI just minutes before the toss. The player, a fringe batter who has rarely made headlines with consistent performances, was drafted into the middle order ahead of several in-form contenders. His inclusion raised eyebrows instantly, given his patchy domestic record and poor returns in his last few Ranji and India A matches.
What fanned the flames further was widespread speculation that this player happens to share a close personal friendship with Gill, India’s new vice-captain and star batter. Multiple videos of the two hanging out off the field — from dinners to overseas vacations — have been circulating online for months, fueling theories that their camaraderie may have influenced the selection.
Former India stars didn’t hold back. One ex-cricketer, speaking anonymously to a sports channel, blasted the call: “Selection at this level must be purely on performance, not friendships. Otherwise, you’re sending a dangerous message to players grinding it out in domestic cricket.”
Meanwhile, fans erupted on social media with hashtags like #GillBuddyXI, #MeritOverFriendship, and #EdgbastonDrama trending within minutes. Memes mocking the selection went viral, with many questioning the transparency of India’s selection process.
Supporters of the player argued he deserved a chance after showing glimpses of promise in recent net sessions and warm-up games in England, saying the team management saw technical strengths against the moving ball — a key skill needed at Edgbaston.
But critics pointed out that more deserving candidates like Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar, who have piled on runs in domestic cricket, were once again overlooked despite being in the squad or on standby.
The BCCI has yet to issue an official statement addressing the controversy, but insiders suggest the team management wanted “a right-hander comfortable against swing” in the middle order — though the player’s poor recent form makes that explanation hard to swallow for many.
Will this controversial inclusion pay off, or will it turn into a nightmare that deepens the debate on favoritism in Indian cricket? One thing’s certain: the Edgbaston Test has already delivered fireworks before a single ball was bowled!