Gill to lead India against New Zealand; What happened to Rohit Sharma?

Shubman Gill is likely to make his ODI captaincy debut in India’s last group match against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday. Reportedly, Indian team management is planning to rest the regular captain Rohit Sharma who hurt his hamstring during India’s match against Pakistan on February 23.

No Rohit Sharma against New Zealand?

India already qualified to the semifinals of the ongoing Champions Trophy in Dubai after beating Pakistan last Sunday. In the same match, Rohit Sharma hurt his hamstring while chasing a ball in the early part of the Pakistan innings. He was visibly struggling with the same before leaving the field at the end of the 26^th over. A report published on The Indian Express meanwhile suggested that Indian team management might rest Rohit from India’s last group-stage match against New Zealand.

According to news reports, Rohit Sharma did not bat during India’s training session on Wednesday as well. He spent time mostly in discussing strategy with head coach Gautam Gambhir. However, his injury seems to be a minor one. Therefore, he may not play the inconsequential match against the Kiwis and take rest for the semi-final on Tuesday.

In absence of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, the designated vice-captain may lead India against New Zealand. Gill also stepped up to lead the side for some time when Rohit Sharma was out of the field for some time in the match against Pakistan. Since India and New Zealand have already confirmed their semifinal spots, the match between the two does not have much importance.

Shubman Gill’s captaincy record

Shubman Gill earlier showed his potential as captain during IPL where he led Gujarat Titans. He also led India for five T20Is in Zimbabwe that India won 4-1. The match against New Zealand might not hold much value in context of the tournament, but for Gill it would be a great platform to show his captaincy skill yet again.

India’s most first-choice players were rested in the Zimbabwe series and Gill led a young team. But in the Champions Trophy, Gill will have the chance to lead seniors as well if given a chance. Gill has been in a great form with the bat in CT 2025 so far with a century against Bangladesh and a 46 against Pakistan.

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