Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma did not participate in strenuous activities during a practice session ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 match against New Zealand, following a hamstring injury in the game against Pakistan. While teammates warmed up with football and running, Rohit jogged gently under the supervision of the Strength & Conditioning coach. He engaged in shadow batting and discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir rather than facing throwdowns. In contrast, Virat Kohli practiced extensively against spinners, while pace bowlers, including Mohammed Shami, looked sharp. Notably, Shubman Gill was absent from the practice session.
Captain of the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma© AFP
Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, was the sole prominent batter not to participate in the nets during a practice session on Wednesday before the Champions Trophy 2025 match against New Zealand, as reported by Times Of India. Following their victory over Pakistan, the Indian players practiced for the first time at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy. While all players participated in warm-up activities, including football and laps, Rohit refrained from any intense physical exercise. The report noted that he “jogged gently under the supervision of Strength & Conditioning coach Soham Desai” but did not move freely. Although he sustained a hamstring injury during the match against Pakistan, he reassured everyone during the post-match presentation that he was fine and there was no reason for concern.
The report also indicated that Rohit did not engage in throwdowns and only performed some shadow batting while conversing with head coach Gautam Gambhir and the coaching staff.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli dedicated considerable time to facing spinners, with bowling coach Morne Morkel rejoining the squad after addressing a personal matter back home.
Virat faced the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja in the training session, also spending over thirty minutes against the net bowlers as they prepared for the upcoming match against New Zealand on Sunday.
Pace bowling ace Mohammed Shami was observed bowling fiercely, swinging the ball in both directions and hitting Kohli on his pads twice, while Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh appeared eager to perform well in the session.
Guided by Morkel, all bowlers appeared sharp and ready to tackle the challenge posed by New Zealand.
Morkel had to depart from the Indian camp just a few days prior to their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh on February 20.
The former South African pacer was seen engaging in an extensive discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir while the players completed their warm-up exercises at the ICC Academy. Notably, Shubman Gill, who has been the standout batter for India in the tournament, was the only player absent from practice.
(With PTI inputs)
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