Shubman Gill Set To Captain India In Last Champions Trophy 2025 Group Match

When India plays New Zealand in the last group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, opener Shubman Gill may make his ODI captaincy debut. The Indian Express reports that the administration is thinking about resting captain Rohit Sharma, so the vice-captain might be the team's leader.

On February 23, Rohit Sharma hurt his hamstring playing against Pakistan in Group A. During Pakistan's innings, the 37-year-old departed the field during the 26th over. While Rohit was away, Shubman Gill assumed leadership. After a few overs, Rohit came back to take charge again, but he didn't seem completely well.

Two days after their victory over Pakistan, Rohit Sharma skipped batting during Wednesday's training session in Dubai, raising questions about his fitness. Perhaps because of his hamstring ailment, Rohit watched from the sidelines.

Rohit Sharma to take rest because of hamstring issues against New Zealand

Rohit was the only Indian batsman, according to several accounts, who did not take throwdowns or bat in the nets. He talked with head coach Gautam Gambhir for a while. He did, however, complete a quick sprint during the practice.

In two 2025 Champions Trophy games, Rohit has amassed 61 runs at a strike rate of 119.60 and an average of 30.50. Shubman Gill, who scored a century against Bangladesh, has been playing quite well. He scored 46 runs against Pakistan, and the Men in Blue won by six wickets to guarantee a spot in the semi-finals.

Shubman Gill to make India ODI captaincy debut against New Zealand

According to The Indian Express, Shubman Gill will probably captain Team India in the ODI format for the first time in the forthcoming encounter against New Zealand in Dubai.

Given that India has already guaranteed a berth in the semi-finals, Rohit Sharma might decide to skip the knockout stages rather than risk suffering a hamstring injury.

Shubman Gill returned to training on Thursday after missing Wednesday's session due to sickness, and he batted a lot in the nets. The game against New Zealand is not very important. It is important to note that this match and India's March 4 semi-final in Dubai are separated by one day.

Rishabh Pant to replace Rohit Sharma in India XI

With Rohit Sharma set to miss the New Zealand encounter, India might bring in Rishabh Pant into the XI, with KL Rahul opening the innings. Washington Sundar, a cricketer from Tamil Nadu, is an additional choice because his presence would improve the team's spin and all-around capabilities.

With his off-spin bowling, Sundar may cause problems for left-handers from New Zealand, such as Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, Michael Bracewell, and Devon Conway.

During the group-stage encounter, India may try out their bench strength. After replacing Varun Chakravarthy with Yashasvi Jaiswal, the team is without a backup opener. Pant, who has already opened in shorter formats, might be a similar aggressive alternative to KL Rahul, who has opening experience.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant Makes A Shocking Entry In India's Playing 11 In Champions Trophy 2025