Shubman Gill may make his first appearance as India’s ODI skipper in the last group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai. The Indian team management is thinking of giving regular captain Rohit Sharma a break in this game, as India has already qualified for the semi-finals, as reported by The Indian Express.
Rohit Sharma’s Injury Concerns
Rohit Sharma hurt his hamstring while fielding during India’s second Group A game against Pakistan on February 23. He struggled with the injury in the initial part of the game and had to depart from the field after the end of the 26th over. Although Gill, the vice-captain by designation, led the team briefly, Rohit came back to the field after a couple of overs but looked less than completely fit.
Fitness Concerns Spark Questions
The severity of Rohit’s injury was made clearer when he failed to bat in India’s training session in Dubai on Wednesday, two days after their win over Pakistan. According to reports, Rohit was the lone Indian batter missing from the nets, taking time off instead to speak with head coach Gautam Gambhir about strategy. While Rohit did exhibit some improvement with a bit of bounce in his step, the injury seems to be sufficient for the team management to think about resting him for the New Zealand match.
Importance Of New Zealand Match
The New Zealand match does not affect the progression of the tournament because both countries have already assured themselves of a place in the semi-finals. The only aim left for India is to top Group A, but this will not be a tense game. Since there is little time between this game and the March 4 semi-final, the team might decide to conserve Rohit’s fitness for the knockouts.
India’s Semi-Final Preparation
India’s semi-final match is on March 4, and the team is already set to prepare for that vital encounter. The semi-final match will be in Dubai, and India’s rival is still to be determined with Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa all still in the running for a position. The result of the match between Australia and Afghanistan on Friday will be key to deciding India’s semi-final rival.
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Probable Line-up Alterations
If Rohit Sharma is being rested, India could choose to replace him with either Washington Sundar or Rishabh Pant, both of whom have been working overtime in the nets. Since there is no alternate opener available in the team, the move could also result in a re-jig of the batting line-up. While KL Rahul is an opening option, shifting him to open would upset the established middle order. Pant, who has had experience opening in limited-overs cricket, can share the opening with Gill, and with a more attacking style of play during the powerplay.
