Shubman Gill is poised to make his ODI captaincy debut in India's final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday, as the team management contemplates resting regular skipper Rohit Sharma.
According to reports, Rohit, who suffered a hamstring injury during India's match against Pakistan on 23 February, may be given a precautionary rest ahead of the semi-final.
During the match against Pakistan, Rohit sustained the injury while chasing a ball early in the innings and appeared to struggle before eventually leaving the field at the end of the 26th over. Though he later returned to lead the side, he was not at full fitness.
Gill, the designated vice-captain, briefly took charge in Rohit’s absence. However, fitness concerns regarding the veteran batsman intensified when he did not bat during India's first training session in Dubai on Wednesday, two days after their victory over Pakistan.
Rohit’s training absence fuels speculation
According to multiple reports, Rohit was the only Indian batsman who refrained from batting in the nets on Wednesday. He also skipped throwdowns and instead engaged in strategic discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir.
The only positive sign came when Rohit attempted a brief sprint, indicating that his injury might not be severe enough to jeopardise India's Champions Trophy campaign but sufficient to warrant caution ahead of the knockout stage.
Also read: CT 25: Aus, Afg, and SA in tense battle for semi-final berth
With both India and New Zealand already securing semi-final berths, the upcoming match holds little consequence apart from deciding the Group A winner.
However, with just a one-day gap between the fixture and India's semi-final on 4 March, resting Rohit appears to be a pragmatic move.
India’s semi-final scenario
Regardless of the outcome against New Zealand, India will play the first semi-final in Dubai on 4 March, as the other semi-final is scheduled in Pakistan, where India will not travel.
The Men in Blue remain unaware of their potential opponent, as Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa remain in contention for the semi-finals from Group B.
The crucial Australia vs Afghanistan match on Friday is expected to provide more clarity.
Potential replacement for Rohit Sharma
Should Rohit be rested, India is likely to bring in either Rishabh Pant or Washington Sundar. The two left-handers reportedly spent extended hours in the nets, which they had not done before any of their previous matches in Dubai.
India’s squad lacks a dedicated backup opener after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dropped for Varun Chakaravarthy.
While KL Rahul is an experienced opener, moving him up would disrupt the settled middle order, where he has excelled over the past two to three years.
Pant, who has previously opened in T20s, could be considered to replicate Rohit’s aggressive role in the powerplay.
Gill’s captaincy credentials
Gill’s leadership credentials gained attention when Gujarat Titans appointed him as their IPL captain last year. He also led a young Indian side in five T20Is in Zimbabwe, securing a 4-1 series win.
Most of India’s first-choice players were rested for that series following their T20 World Cup triumph in the Caribbean.
Gill’s growing stature as a future leader was further reinforced when he was elevated as vice-captain for the England home series and subsequently retained the role for the Champions Trophy.
Rohit himself acknowledged Gill’s emergence, attributing his stellar form in ODIs, which earned him the No.1 ICC ranking, as a major factor behind his promotion in the leadership group.
The young batsman has been in exceptional form in the tournament, having scored a century against Bangladesh and 46 against Pakistan.
He was also seen engaging in a private net session on Thursday, sharpening his skills ahead of the crucial phase of the competition.
Also read: Starc says ankle pain, WTC final reason for skipping CT 2025
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