In a major development ahead of the final stage of the 2025 ICC Championship trophy, vice captain Shubman Gill may lead the team against New Zealand. Conventional captain Rohit Sharma reportedly suffered hamstring damage in a high octane conflict between India and Pakistan on February 23. While the injury is not serious, team managers are considering resting for Rohit to ensure his fixed speed to ensure his availability for the semifinals.
Rohit Sharma’s harm: Preventive rest or attract attention?
Rohit was injured while trying to stop the border in the early stages of the Pakistani inning. Although he left the stadium briefly, he passed several major competitions and led India to a comprehensive victory. However, recent reports suggest that Rohit did not participate in batting training during his Indian training in Dubai, which has heightened speculation about his health.
According to BOI, Rohit is the only Indian batsman to avoid throwing in the Nets or facing bowlers. Instead, he saw him in an in-depth discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir. While the Indian captain did engage in flickering, which suggests the injury may not be serious, the decision to align him with New Zealand was seen as a strategic move in the semi-finals.
India vs New Zealand: What are the dangers?
With India and New Zealand both gaining their own positions in the semifinals, Sunday’s encounter will determine the group’s A-listed top players. While the results won’t affect India’s qualifications, finishing first in the group could provide a more favorable semi-final opponent. New Zealand currently leads the group due to its high net run rate, which is crucial for India to enter the knockout stage.
Who will replace Rohit Sharma?
If Rohit rests, India will need Gill’s new opening partner. Possible candidates include:
- KL Rahul: Experienced batsmen play mainly in the middle, but have extensive experience in ODI’s opener.
- Rishabh Pant: Explosive lefty previously opened in a shorter format and can bring attack edges in power games.
- Washington Sundar: A left-field choice, but he has been practicing extensively in the Nets, suggesting a potential role in the highest stage.
Given India’s current lineup composition, it seems the most logical option to upgrade the order. This adjustment will allow Rishabh Pant to return to No. 5 XI, with Rahul batting throughout the game.
Shubman Gill’s Captain Certificate
If Jill takes over as captain of India, it will mark his first time leading the senior team in ODI. Captain Gujarat Giants previously led India in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he directed a young team to win the series 4-1. His leadership and batting ability make him a natural successor to the Indian leadership.
Gill has been in a very good shape recently, with a 46 vital defeat to Bangladesh in a century and a crucial 46 defeats for Pakistan. His ability to anchor the game while needed to speed up makes him an ideal candidate for Rohit to be absent.
India’s path to semifinals
Regardless of the outcome for New Zealand, India will play its first semi-final in Dubai on March 4. Due to diplomatic reasons, India will not go to Pakistan, which is scheduled for the second semifinal. The Blues will face Australia, Afghanistan or South Africa, depending on how Group B develops. A victory over New Zealand will bring more confidence in the knockout stage for India.
