New Delhi: The Men in Blue will take on New Zealand in their last group stage match of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 2. Rohit and Co. have already qualified for the semifinals of the tournament. Team India had a intense net session on Wednesday night but it was marked by the visible inactivity of captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill.
According to a Cricbuzz report, The Indian captain is nursing a hamstring injury that he sustained during India’s clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, February 23. He was briefly retired to the dressing room during Pakistan’s innings but returned to the field. Rohit also scored 20 runs off 15 balls with the help of three boundaries and one maximum in the match which Team India won by 6 wickets.
The Indian captain observed from the sidelines during the three-hour-long practice session at the ICC Academy facility in Dubai. The Indian players had an intense batting session after a two-day break but Rohit observed everything from the sidelines and didn’t participate. According to the Cricbuzz report, the Indian skipper is being cautious so that he does not aggravate the hamstring injury ahead of the match against the Kiwis and as well as the upcoming semifinal on March 4.
Both India and New Zealand have already booked their spots in the semifinals and it won’t be much surprising if Rohit takes rest from India’s next game. The Men in Blue will look to finish the group on top but in the larger scheme of things, it may not be worth taking any risks ahead of the knockout stage. The Indian team is expected to make some changes to the playing XI on Sunday.
Shubman Gill unwell, Rishabh Pant fit
Meanwhile, India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill stayed indoors and according to the same report he is unwell. However, The in-form batter is expected to be ready for the match against New Zealand. Rishabh Pant, who was unwell with a fever, has fully recovered and batted for a long time during the net session. Mohammed Shami didn’t bat in the net session but he bowled at full throttle to all the Indian batters, including Virat Kohli.
After the victory against Pakistan, Team India resumed training at the ICC Academy, with skipper Rohit Sharma taking it easy in the nets due to a hamstring injury. The Men in Blue will face New Zealand on Sunday, March 2. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
