Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill to miss IND vs NZ match? India openers skip practice before the final game

As India prepares for their final group-stage match against New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, doubts are growing about the availability of their opening duo.

New Delhi: As India prepares for their final group-stage match against New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, doubts are growing about the availability of their opening duo. Captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill were missing from the team’s recent training session in Dubai, sparking concerns about their fitness ahead of the important fixture.

Reports suggest that Rohit is dealing with a hamstring strain he picked up during the intense match against Pakistan, while Gill has been struggling with an illness. With India having already secured a spot in the semi-finals, the team may opt for a precautionary approach, possibly making changes to their playing XI to ensure their star batters are fully fit for the knockout stages.

Rohit Sharma’s Hamstring Issue: A Growing Concern?
Rohit Sharma’s absence from the training session was noticeable, although he was seen on the sidelines, observing his teammates’ intense batting drills at the ICC Academy. The Indian captain seemed to have picked up the injury while fielding in the previous match, causing him to briefly leave the field before returning to bat. He managed to score a quick 20 off 15 balls before being dismissed by Shaheen Afridi’s powerful yorker.

With the semi-finals approaching, India’s management may prefer not to take any chances with Rohit in this less crucial match. A hamstring issue can be tricky, and any further complications could have significant consequences for India’s championship aspirations.

Shubman Gill illness:
If Rohit’s injury wasn’t worrisome enough, Shubman Gill’s absence from training has added to the concerns. The in-form opener, who scored a magnificent century against Bangladesh in India’s first match, is said to be feeling unwell. His missing from the practice session raises doubts about his availability for the upcoming game.

Gill’s performances have been a significant boost for India in this tournament, with his knack for giving aggressive yet stable starts playing a key role. With no immediate replacement for him in the squad, India may need to consider other options if Gill isn’t fit in time.