Team India’s squad announcement for the high-voltage England tour has triggered a massive storm after two players with poor recent Ranji Trophy records were picked over consistent domestic performers — and new chief selector Gautam Gambhir is already facing sharp criticism for what many are calling a selection blunder of epic proportions.
The controversy erupted as soon as the BCCI released the 18-member squad, with fans and former cricketers questioning the inclusion of two players who not only failed to shine in the Ranji Trophy but also struggled in India A outings. Stats reveal both players averaged below 20 in their last Ranji season, with a combined total of just one fifty in over 15 innings — numbers that have left cricket followers bewildered about how they leapfrogged several prolific performers.
Insiders suggest the selection committee, headed by Gambhir, backed these two largely for their “attitude” and “work ethic” in training camps, rather than their on-field numbers. But critics argue that with India desperate to break their ICC trophy drought and facing the aggressive Bazball approach in England, picking out-of-form players on potential alone is a dangerous gamble.
One senior domestic coach, speaking anonymously, blasted the decision:
“We’ve seen boys grind it out for years in Ranji, piling up runs and wickets. But they keep getting ignored for players who’ve done nothing in domestic cricket lately. It’s unfair and sends the wrong message.”
Fans, too, went into meltdown mode, flooding social media with hashtags like #SelectionBlunder, #RanjiDeservesBetter, and #GambhirUnderFire. Many highlighted consistent domestic stars like Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Abhimanyu Easwaran, who were overlooked yet again despite stellar first-class records.
Former cricketers have weighed in as well, with ex-India pacer Venkatesh Prasad tweeting, “Performance in domestic cricket must remain the yardstick. Else, Ranji Trophy will lose its value.”
The two controversial picks — whose names the BCCI has yet to officially defend in a statement — are also said to have close ties with senior players, fueling speculation about favoritism creeping into the selection process.
Meanwhile, Gambhir, who was appointed chief selector only weeks ago, finds himself in the eye of the storm. Supporters argue he deserves time to implement his vision, but critics warn that ignoring proven domestic performers could derail India’s red-ball plans in England.
With the England tour promising fiery contests and the spotlight on every move, will this questionable selection backfire spectacularly — or will Gambhir’s bold call prove to be a masterstroke?