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"Never said it, shame": Navjot Singh Sidhu fact-checks claim about sacking Gautam Gambhir

Akshita Patel

Navjot Singh Sidhu verifies misinformation [Source: @BCCI, @Cric_records45/X.com]Navjot Singh Sidhu verifies misinformation [Source: @BCCI, @Cric_records45/X.com]

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu has hit back at a fan on social media for spreading fake news. The fabricated statement stated that Sidhu demanded the sacking of Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar.

The incident took place amid the ongoing India vs Australia ODI series, which has already been buzzing with controversy following Rohit Sharma’s removal as ODI captain.

Sidhu claims he never targeted Gambhir & Agarkar

A fan on X (formerly Twitter) falsely claimed that Navjot Singh Sidhu had advised the BCCI to sack chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir while reinstating Rohit Sharma as captain. 

The post quickly went viral. However, Sidhu took the matter into his own hands and did not waste any time in closing down the rumour.

Sidhu's tweet [Source: @sherryontopp/X.com]Sidhu's tweet [Source: @sherryontopp/X.com]

His reply immediately gained attention, with fans hailing him for calling out the misinformation head-on. Fans called for people to check facts before believing or sharing unverified posts on the internet.

The controversy, however, comes at a tense moment for Indian cricket. The selectors recently announced Shubman Gill as India’s new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma despite his exceptional record. 

India had made it to the 2023 World Cup final and the Champions Trophy earlier in 2025 under the captaincy of Rohit, who boasts an incredible 75% winning rate in ODIs.

While a certain fraction of fans wants to see Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue playing till the 2027 World Cup, some believe the timing is right for a transition.

Gautam Gambhir under attack as head coach

Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir, who took over as India’s head coach earlier this year, has faced both praise and scrutiny since assuming the role. 

His no-nonsense attitude and strategic thinking have been attributed to instilling discipline within the team, but a number of social media commentators keep referring him to inner selection politics, most of the time unproven.

Until BCCI, Kohli, or Rohit clarify their stance, they will continue to be the hot topic for debate in the near future.