India's Champions Trophy Squad: Fans attack Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan as Gautam Gambhir misses out

Gambhir was backed by many cricket experts for a spot in the 15-man squad, but it was Dhawan who made the cut.

New Delhi: The BCCI on Monday recalled fit-again opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan in their 15-man squad for ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales. While many fans and cricket experts wanted selectors to go for Gautam Gambhir instead, the Indian board resisted temptation to spring in big changes and announced a tried and tested squad

Gambhir, who has been a consistent performer for Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2017 season, was widely expected to be picked by selectors, especially considering India do not have an in-form and reliable opening batsman.

Seeing his name in the 15-man roster, Dhawan wrote on his Twitter wall, "Excited to be part of squad for the #ChampionsTrophy2017 Lets go defend the title boys. @BCCI"

Excited to be part of squad for the #ChampionsTrophy2017 Lets go defend the title boys. @BCCI — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 8, 2017

Seeing Dhawan being selected instead of Gambhir, fans expressed their anger on Twitter, specifically hitting out at skipper Virat Kohli for not making a move for the KKR captain.

@SDhawan25 @BCCI what is ur caste sc/st or obc? For a place in indian team? — Ritwik Ghosh (@gritwik98) May 8, 2017

With kohli and dhoni together there was no way gambhir would hve been selected,after all friendship matters#luckydhawan #ChampionsTrophy2017 — Akshay Shenoy (@Akshaybjpbhakt) May 8, 2017

The only reason Gautam Gambhir is not in the Champions Trophy squad is Kohli's feud with him. — Rohith (@Dr_Rhodium) May 8, 2017

@SirJadeja Gambhir not in just cose of virat kohli arogence.. — prince (@imprince27) May 8, 2017

@SDhawan25 @BCCI U dont deserve position .. .@SDhawan25 Gambhir is well deserve for the position @GautamGambhir ...Kohli don't do politics @imVkohli nt good — niks (@sidd_nikk) May 8, 2017

@BCCI what's dhawan contribution compared to gambhir in T20... Virat kohli friendship.. #Shame on such politics and nepotism — SouRatnaSouRatna (@SouRatna) May 8, 2017

Gambhir not selected,Reasons-He has differences with kohli & age but I don't understand why is #uthappa #RAINA neglected#ChampionsTrophy2017 — Amitesh Singh (@Amiteshthakur85) May 8, 2017

@BCCI why @BCCI why?why cricket bord and virat kohli is willing to destroy gambhir's career??

— utsav (@utsav344662851) May 8, 2017

@ripwanwinkle Gambhir is being ignored for a long time and Dhawan is given far too many chances. Kohli' bias I guess. — ankur khetan (@akki_ankur) May 8, 2017

@BCCI Kohli is behind for this team selection.. he doesn't want pickup Gambhir and Raina.he involves​ his personal problems with team mates.. — VIGNESHWARAN (@vicknesh963) May 8, 2017

@SDhawan25 @bhumisolanki @BCCI Shukriya karo bcci ka jo gambhir ko chodkar tumhe pick kiya ye virat kohli ki bhi chaal hai — Rizwan Hyder (@rizwandrs23451) May 8, 2017

Unhappy with cricket`s new revenue model, which considerably slashes their share from global events in the 2015-23 cycle, BCCI had crossed the April 25 deadline of squad announcement, triggering panic among several sponsors and advertisers.

Several members of Indian board favoured withdrawing from the tournament in protest but court-appointed administrators, who are currently supervising BCCI operations, rallied against such a drastic move.

It remains to be seen whether the 15-member squad unveiled by chief selector MSK Prasad can go on to defend the coveted title.