Gautam Gambhir fans angry with his exclusion from the Duleep Trophy squad

Just a day after Sourav Ganguly‘s letter to the Committee of Administrators (CoA) presenting his case to them against the scrapping of Duleep Trophy from India’s domestic calendar, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to bring back the tournament and announce the squads for the three teams. India Red will be led by Abhinav Mukund, Parthiv Patel will lead India Green while Suresh Raina who would utilize the opportunity for the comeback will be leading India Blue in Kanpur and Lucknow from September 7 to 29.

The first pink-ball edition of the tournament was played last year in Greater Noida with the Gautam Gambhir-led India Blue clinching the title. However, this year, the Delhi opener hasn’t been named in any of the squads. The selector’s decision to not include Gambhir in any of the three squads for the tournament has not only baffled many but has also angered his fans.

It comes off as a shock particularly because he looked to be in Team India’s scheme of things after being recalled in the Test team last year. He even pressed his claim for a recall with a strong showing in this year’s Indian Premier League, scoring 425 runs at an impressive average of over 47.

The selectors, however, have given other cricketers like Ambati Rayudu, Ashok Dinda, Manoj Tiwary a chance to prove their mettle in order to show that their career has not been confined to the IPL only while the Delhi star has been snubbed. India’s call-ups now will largely be dependent on who will be able to form the core for the 2019 World Cup, making it diffificult for Gambhir and even Raina. However, this move is a big indication that Gambhir’s international career is as good as over, and the fans are not pleased with as they took to Twitter to express their disappointment.

The reactions that followed:

Why there is no @GautamGambhir in the tournament I think @BCCI you should try in politics I am sure that u will able to elect your PM

— đ!vÿ ?? ⏺ (@ChhatralaDivy) August 30, 2017

No @GautamGambhir in the team too much politics played by @BCCI pic.twitter.com/hnIIgIG036

— đ!vÿ ?? ⏺ (@ChhatralaDivy) August 30, 2017

Same on ur selectors. Mental!! @BCCI 1st kumble sir and now gambhir. U can't give respect to ur heroes..

— Sunil Mishra (@Mishra10Sunil) August 31, 2017

Shame @BCCI you have not pick the opener who has probably most runs In last time #DuleepTrophy he deserves chance u will have to give him ??

— Gautam Gambhir (@FansGambhir) August 30, 2017