BCCI v Fans: Twitter battle continues as fans angered with Gautam Gambhir's exclusion

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its 15 men squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in England yesterday. There was a lot of turmoil regarding India’s participation in the tournament. While the BCCI’s decision to participate was a good news for the fans, but they are particularly unhappy with former opener Gautam Gambhir missing out from the team.

Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad faced the heat of the bewildered fans, who asked for the reason of this notable omission. Gambhir has been in terrific form in this IPL and is the third highest run-getter currently. In 12 matches, he has scored 425 runs. Because of his unshaken consistency, fans wanted to see Gambhir in the blue jersey representing the team in CT.

But that was not to be done, as Shikhar Dhawan found a place ahead of him in the team. While Dhawan scored a half-century after his selection, his third in the ongoing edition of the tournament, Gambhir has also been doing well throughout the tournament. Fans felt this was unjust, and took to the micro-blogging site Twitter as a stage for protest.

Fans went all-guns blazing against the BCCI ever since the squad announcement was made. While some advised BCCI to “wake up from sleep”, others have cited “personal rivalry with  BCCI” as a reason for his exclusion. Some even went on to the extent of calling BCCI an organisation which picks players based on the “quota” system.

While it is yet to be seen how Dhawan fares in England, the officials would be hoping that he does well and gives an answer to the haters in style. For if he fails in Champions Trophy 2017, BCCI should be up for more bashing and outrage from the fans.

India is the defending champions of the tournament and is placed in Group B along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa. The 2-time champions (one is shared with Sri Lanka) will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan, who will look to win the 8-team tournament for the first time. The match will be played on 4th of June at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Here are some of the tweets:

Gautam Gambhir fans outside BCCI ofice #ChampionsTrophy2017 pic.twitter.com/9Z4wSgYqqN

— Ojas. (@Ojasism) May 8, 2017

No Gautam Gambhir in Indian Squad
.
Shame on you @BCCI ? pic.twitter.com/C0hroj6wQc

— NITESH KUMAR (@NITESHKUMAR009) May 8, 2017

Indian team selection criteria. @GautamGambhir @BCCI @vikrantgupta73 @Roysreeja8 @gautiaddicts @gautifan_shilpa @GautiAranyaka @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/5gYnwYvNLq

— Gautian Vicky Sharma (@vsvs353) May 9, 2017

Feels Sad @GautamGambhir Sir When People Don't Give To Importance In Life. & U Know That U R More Importance To Them #ChampionsTrophy2017 pic.twitter.com/mgvCEDS2Va

— Naved Rehnuma (@SrkNaved) May 9, 2017

A small write up from my side to you Gauti. Pls have a look at it if possible. ?We all love you Gauti. Smile pls? @GautamGambhir ? pic.twitter.com/av7ALYwrNp

— Gautian Sreeja Roy (@Roysreeja8) May 9, 2017

After a host of tweets and campaigns on Twitter Gauti was humbled and thanked his fans for their support.

@Roysreeja8 Thanks a lot can't thank u enough for all ur support and luv don't hav enough words to thank u means A lot to me.

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 9, 2017