Rishabh Pant to be inducted in India Playing 11 despite KL Rahul's genius!! Indian fans stunned
Published - 27 Feb 2025, 12:50 PM | Updated - 27 Feb 2025, 12:59 PM
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With India already in the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a couple of changes in the winning playing XI are on the cards for their final Group A match against New Zealand to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on March 2.
Rishabh Pant is all set to make his first appearance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Indian cricket team is currently facing a couple of injury scares as the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 enters its business end. Rohit Sharma is reportedly dealing with a hamstring injury.
The seasoned opener picked up the injury that briefly forced him off the field during India's one-sided 6-wicket victory against Pakistan in Dubai last Sunday.
Rohit Sharma likely to miss New Zealand clash due to hamstring issue
According to the media reports, Rohit Sharma did not take part in India’s latest training session, opting to rest and avoid further strain ahead of the knockouts. As his teammates underwent an intense batting practice, the 37-year-old Indian captain remained on the sidelines.
It is being said that Rohit had been closely monitored by the Indian team’s medical staff. A Times of India report revealed that Rohit was kept away from any heavy physical activity and did not take part in batting drills, including the basic throwdown sessions.
Instead, he was seen doing light jogging under the supervision of strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai. Adding to the Men in Blue’s concerns, Shubman Gill also missed the practice session. The young opener reportedly stayed indoors due to illness. Notably, Gill had also hurt his hand during the team’s last group match against Pakistan.
Rishabh Pant recovers from viral fever, ready to play against New Zealand
Amid the fitness concerns of Rohit and Gill, the positive news is that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has recovered from a bout of fever and batted in the nets on Wednesday. It is being speculated that Rishabh Pant is likely to return to India’s XI for the final group match against New Zealand after warming the bench since the England ODIs at home.
A Revsportz journalist claimed that Rishabh Pant seems to be communicated with by Rohit and team management to be ready for the next ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against the Black Caps. He also hinted at more than two changes in India’s XI for the New Zealand game.
Rishabh Pant was reportedly seen involved in an intense practice session, which hinted that Rishabh Pant is likely to bat at number five and KL Rahul to move to the top order, with Rohit highly unlikely to play in the group match against the Black Caps on March 2 in Dubai.
After watching last night practice session looks like there is something communicated to RP17 - saw Rohit also which make it more eveident - but there will be more - A couple more may be
— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) February 27, 2025
Mohammed Shami dismisses injury concerns
However, there is no massive update on Gill’s health, but he could also be rested for the match, given his illness and fitness to keep him at the top for the knockouts of the tournament.
On the other hand, Mohammed Shami put fitness concerns to rest with an intense bowling session ahead of the knockouts. Shami, who gave an injury scare during the India-Pakistan match, bowled with full pace and swing, even troubling Virat Kohli in the nets.
