Champions Trophy 2025: Is This Still Rohit Sharma’s Team, or Has Gautam Gambhir Already Taken Over?
In what could be a massive shake-up for India’s Champions Trophy campaign, ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury. While the official reason remains fitness concerns, many are questioning if this is the result of poor workload management under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
The BCCI’s late-night announcement confirmed that Bumrah would be replaced by Harshit Rana, an uncapped player at the ODI level. Another eyebrow-raising move was Varun Chakaravarthy’s inclusion at the expense of Yashasvi Jaiswal, indicating a clear shift in the selection strategy.
But here’s the bigger question: Is this still Rohit Sharma’s team, or are we already seeing Gautam Gambhir’s fingerprints all over India’s squad? With rumors swirling about Gambhir’s potential appointment as India’s head coach, it appears the transition may have already begun.
Bumrah Overworked? Rohit’s Captaincy Under Fire
Since returning from a back injury last year, Bumrah has been India’s most crucial bowler, playing a key role in India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. His stats over the past year prove why:
| Format | Matches Played (2024-25) | Wickets Taken | Average | Economy Rate |
| Tests | 10 | 52 | 14.6 | 2.94 |
| ODIs | 12 | 26 | 18.32 | 4.67 |
| T20Is | 15 | 22 | 12.94 | 6.12 |
During India’s grueling five-match Test series against Australia earlier this year, Bumrah bowled an astonishing 180+ overs, finishing with 32 wickets at an average of just 13.06. However, this workload took a heavy toll.
One particular moment in the fourth Test in Melbourne raised concerns—Bumrah was seen asking Rohit Sharma to avoid giving him the old ball, but the captain persisted with his spearhead.
Then came Sydney, where Bumrah captained the side in Rohit’s absence but walked off the field on Day 2 due to severe discomfort, eventually leaving the stadium for scans. The warning signs were there, but was Bumrah’s workload properly managed by the team leadership?
Gautam Gambhir’s Influence – Is the Team Already Changing?
While Rohit Sharma continues to lead the team, recent selection decisions hint at a shift towards a Gambhir-esque approach. The selection of Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy over more experienced players indicates a preference for aggressive, fearless cricketers—something Gambhir has always advocated.
Why is Gambhir’s Influence Suspected?
- Backing KKR Players – Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy have both been nurtured under Gambhir’s mentorship at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. Their selection suggests that Gambhir’s vision may already be shaping India’s squad.
- Attacking Cricket Over Stability – Dropping Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite his strong performances in ODIs (52.66 avg in 2024), suggests a shift towards an aggressive spin-heavy approach.
- Focus on X-Factor Players – Chakaravarthy, a mystery spinner, could play a key role in Gambhir’s vision of unpredictability in white-ball cricket.
This selection strategy mirrors how Gambhir built the KKR squad in the IPL—favoring aggressive, fearless players who thrive under pressure.
India’s Bowling Woes – Who Fills Bumrah’s Shoes?
Bumrah’s absence leaves India without its biggest match-winner in the bowling department. Here’s what India is left with:
| Bowler | ODI Experience | Wickets in 2024 | Average | Strengths |
| Mohammed Shami | 102 ODIs | 19 | 22.56 | Experience, Reverse Swing |
| Arshdeep Singh | 18 ODIs | 11 | 34.89 | Left-arm variety, Swing |
| Harshit Rana | 0 ODIs | N/A | N/A | Raw pace, IPL success |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | 12 ODIs | 8 | 31.42 | Mystery spin, Control |
The big question: Can Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh handle the pressure of an ICC tournament?
Rohit Sharma vs. Gambhir – Who is in Control?
The Champions Trophy could be a defining moment for Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. But with Gambhir’s influence looming, is Rohit still making key decisions, or is he merely executing plans made above him?
Rohit Sharma’s Recent Captaincy Record
| Year | ICC Tournament | India’s Performance |
| 2023 | ODI World Cup | Finalist (Lost to Australia) |
| 2024 | T20 World Cup | Champion (Defeated South Africa) |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy | ??? |
A Champions Trophy win would cement Rohit’s legacy, but failure could accelerate the Gambhir takeover.
Final Thoughts – A Team in Transition?
Key Takeaways:
- Bumrah’s absence exposes India’s over-reliance on him—poor workload management has cost them again.
- Harshit Rana and Chakaravarthy’s selection suggest a shift toward Gambhir’s aggressive philosophy.
- India’s bowling attack is weak without Bumrah—Shami and Arshdeep must step up.
- Rohit Sharma’s captaincy is under scrutiny—this tournament could define his future.
The Champions Trophy 2025 could be the last ICC tournament of the Rohit-era. If India falters, expect Gambhir’s takeover to happen sooner than later.
So, is this still Rohit Sharma’s team, or has India already begun transitioning into a Gambhir-led future?
