Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja out of IND vs NZ match; replacements selected

Team India is all set to ring in a few changes for their final group stage match of the Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand, set to be played on March 2 in Dubai. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami and allrounder Ravindra Jadeja are likely to be rested for this game.

While Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja will be rested, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is likely to find a place in the Playing XI. Apart from these players, skipper Rohit Sharma is unlikely to play since he hasn't yet recovered from his injury.

Also read: Pakistan rocked by BOMB BLAST near Lahore during Champions Trophy 2025; multiple killed

Who will replace Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja?

With Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja not expected to be in the Playing XI, India needs two able replacements for them.

According to RevSportz, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh will replace Mohammed Shami, who faced some injury issues in the last match against Pakistan. Mohammed Shami had to leave the field midway, however, he returned to bowl his remaining overs.

On the other hand, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is likely to play his first match of the tournament by replacing the allrounder Ravindra Jadeja. While Chakravarthy is not a like-for-like replacement for Jadeja, he provides the team with an excellent bowling option.

India also have an option to include Washington Sundar in place of Jadeja since he can also provide the team with some crucial batting ability. However, Chakravarthy is ahead in the race according to the reports.

Rishabh Pant likely to play; Rohit Sharma's availability in doubt

Rohit’s participation in NZ game looks difficult- Team will take a final decision on 1st of March - Pant will be in 11
Shami will rest - Arshdeep in
Varun in place of Jadeja what looks like
Only question is will RP open ?

— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) February 28, 2025

The reports also claim that the wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant will finally get a game in this tournament, although it is not yet clear whom he will replace. If Rohit Sharma doesn't play, Pant could straight away replace him at the opening spot.

India decided to go with KL Rahul as the first-choice wicketkeeper ahead of Rishabh Pant for the Champions Trophy. Rahul has been India's preferred choice in the 50-over format and has performed consistently both with the bat and the gloves.

Pant will have a chance to stake a claim in the Playing XI by playing well here. He is a highly talented wicketkeeper but India's depth has kept him out of the Playing XI. Pant was unwell and couldn't attend the team's practice session before the game against Pakistan. However, he is fit and raring to go now.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma's participation is also in doubt as he has still not fully recovered from the hamstring injury. Rohit left the field midway during the game against Pakistan due to the injury but returned later. But India is unlikely to risk their captain ahead of the important semi-final clash.

India's campaign so far

India will face New Zealand on March 2 in their final match of the group stage. After this game, the Men in Blue will play in the semi-final scheduled to be played on March 4 in Dubai.

Rohit Sharma and his men have had a great start to the tournament by winning both their matches so far. India defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively by a margin of 6 wickets.