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Rohit Sharma reportedly hurt his hamstring during India vs Pakistan in Dubai and didn’t bat during the training session on Wednesday.
Rohit Sharma might not feature against New Zealand. (PTI Photo)
With just a couple of days left before India face New Zealand in their final Group A fixture of the Champions Trophy 2025, they are sweating over the fitness of captain Rohit Sharma who is reportedly nursing a hamstring injury. Rohit seemed to have injured himself while fielding during India’s second match of the competition where they took on neighbours Pakistan in Dubai.
During the match, Rohit was off the field for a brief period and during his absence, vice-captain Shubman Gill was seen manning the field. However, the veteran opener returned afterwards to retake charge and also played a brisk knock at the top in India’s successful chase later on.
On Wednesday, during India’s training session, Rohit was the only batter besides fast bowler Mohammed Shami who didn’t bat.
As per The Indian Express, Rohit jogged for a while but didn’t push himself. He worked with strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist.
Will India Risk Rohit?
India have already qualified for the semifinals and match on Sunday will decide whether they finish at the top of Group A. As per the format of the Champions Trophy, a team topping their group faces the second-placed side from the other.
India will only get to know their semifinal opponent once both the Group B games – Australia vs Afghanistan, South Africa vs England – are done.
So, given the circumstances, will India risk playing Rohit? They are scheduled to play their semifinal clash after a gap of one-day on March 2 and could end up resting their captain in order for him to be fully fit for the semifinal and the final should they qualify.
As per reports, both Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar took part in the training session on Wednesday and either of the two could end up taking Rohit’s place.
India then will have to decide whom to partner alongside Gill to open the innings against New Zealand. They have a quality option KL Rahul while Pant has also opened for India once in ODIs in the past.
