Rohit Sharma to miss India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy match? KL Rahul provides massive update

Team India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has provided a crucial update on skipper Rohit Sharma’s fitness ahead of the match against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rahul said that there are no major fitness concerns in the Indian squad for their last group-stage match in the tournament.

Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami struggled with fitness during the recent match against Pakistan. Shami did not complete his bowling spell in that match due to shin discomfort, while Rohit showed signs of a hamstring strain. Both players went off the field at different points during Pakistan’s innings.

I Don't Know Too Much - KL Rahul on Rohit Sharma's Fitness

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, KL Rahul stated that there are no major fitness concerns in the Indian squad, adding that there were some concerns earlier. He said that all players are fit and available, but the team would get further clarity after their upcoming practice session.

"I don't know too much but from whatever I know I think everything seems pretty okay. There's no real concerns about anyone missing games as far as I know. We'll probably know more in today's training," Rahul said on Friday.

"Yeah everyone's been in the gym, everyone's been at training the last time as well, so yeah [there were previously] some concerns but I don't think it's too much," he added.

India will face New Zealand in their final Group A match of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 2. This match holds no significance in terms of the semi-final race but will determine the Group A table topper.

Will Rohit Sharma's Absence Be a Major Setback for India?

Rohit Sharma could be rested for the final group-stage match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, as the team has already secured a semi-final spot alongside New Zealand. With little gap between this match and the knockout stage, the Indian team management may avoid any further risk of injury.

Rohit has been in good form with the bat, scoring 41 off 36 balls against Bangladesh at a strike rate of 113.89. He scored a quick 20 off 15 balls against Pakistan, including three fours and a six.

India have fielded an unchanged XI in both matches so far, with Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, and Arshdeep Singh on the bench.

KL Rahul’s Recent Performances in ODI Cricket

KL Rahul has been the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter for India in ODIs. He was picked over Rishabh Pant for some time, despite ongoing debates among experts about who should be selected. Rahul didn’t get a chance to bat against Pakistan and scored 41 off 47 balls from No. 6 against Bangladesh.

Rahul has played 34 One-Day Internationals since the start of 2023. The right-handed batter has amassed 1,184 runs at an impressive average of 56.38 and a strike rate of 87.57, with two centuries and seven half-centuries. He might open for the Men in Blue if Rohit Sharma misses the upcoming match.

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