Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar Arrive Late for Press Conference 

On Sunday, Rohit Sharma, who leads the India team, and Ajit Agarkar, who picks the players, were late over two hours to press conference for champions trophy squad announcement  in Mumbai. They were supposed to tell us who's going to play in the important games against England and the very popular Champions Trophy in 2025. But  they were so late, we were all waiting and extremely eager to hear what they would say!

As the two finally took their seats and adjusted their microphones, an intersting off the record moment between Rohit and Agarkar caught attention. In a hushed tone, Rohit was overheard sharing his concerns about the new guidelines introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding players’ families traveling with them. A video of the candid exchange quickly went viral on social media, with Rohit’s casual yet relatable comment sparking widespread interest. In his typical laid-back manner, Rohit leaned toward Agarkar and remarked, “I will have to sit (with the BCCI officials) for one or one and a half hours after this. Will have to sit with the secretary to discuss regarding all this family and all, all are saying to me.”

💀💀 pic.twitter.com/4nn17QKemt

— Priyanshu (@cricketwalaldka) January 18, 2025

The genuine comment showcased the human side of the captain, who is not only balancing on-field responsibilities but also managing concerns raised by his teammates about their families. The moment resonated with fans, reflecting the unique pressures cricketers face beyond the boundary. The delay and Rohit’s remarks added a touch of drama to the otherwise straightforward press conference. Once proceedings began, the focus shifted to cricket, with Agarkar and Rohit answering questions about team selections, strategies, and the road ahead. However, the viral snippet of their press conference conversation ensured that the day’s buzz extended beyond cricketing decisions. Fans on social media appreciated Rohit’s honesty and straight forwardness , with many praising him for addressing off-field concerns in his calm and composed manner. The moment served as a reminder of the captain’s role in bridging the gap between the team and the board, proving that leadership often extends beyond just the game.

ALSO READ: Reason behind dropping Mohammed Siraj from ODI squad revealed

Vice-Captain and Wicketkeeper Choices:  Discussions Behind the Scenes

There was a major discussion before press conference discussing who gets to be the vice captian for the team . They spoke a lot about the important choices they had to make. Gautam Gambhir really wants Hardik Pandya to be the assistant captain because he has captaincy skills and experience over the years  and might help the new young ones play better. But Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma think Shubman Gill should get the job because he is very good at playing and he could be a great leader later on.

Another point of contention was the selection of the team’s wicketkeeper. Gambhir pushed for the inclusion of Sanju Samson, arguing that he has technique and temperament make him a reliable choice. On the other hand, Agarkar and Rohit leaned towards Rishabh Pant, praising his explosiveness and match winning capabilities. These differing viewpoints highlighted the challenges of selecting a balanced team while accommodating diverse perspectives. While the final decisions were not disclosed during the conference, the intense discussions underscored the importance of finding the right combination for upcoming tournaments.

India squad for champions trophy:

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.