KL Rahul expressed confidence that Mohammed Shami and Rohit Sharma will be fit for India’s final Champions Trophy group game against New Zealand. Despite Shami’s shin issues and Rohit’s hamstring discomfort during the previous match against Pakistan, Rahul stated there are no significant concerns regarding their availability. India has already qualified for the semi-finals, prompting questions about resting players. Rahul highlighted the challenges of the Dubai pitch, emphasizing the importance of set batters in accumulating runs. Additionally, he acknowledged the competition for the wicketkeeping role with Rishabh Pant but remains focused on his performance while praising Shami’s accuracy and skill as a bowler.
“I don’t have all the details, but from what I know, everything seems fine,” Rahul mentioned on Friday. “As far as I know, there are no significant worries about anyone missing games. We will likely have more clarity after today’s training.”
“Yes, everyone has been in the gym and involved in training the last time, so while there were earlier concerns, I don’t think they are major.”
India, similar to New Zealand, approaches this game with the knowledge that they have already secured a place in the semi-finals. For India, that semi-final will take place just two days later on March 4. Will the quick succession of matches lead India to rest any players? “Fortunately, I am not part of the leadership group that has to make such decisions,” Rahul noted. “But I believe there may be some temptation, and we have been in such situations before where, if the chance arises, we can experiment with players who haven’t participated in matches.”
“However, I’m not certain if that will happen in a Champions Trophy context or during tomorrow’s game. We only have a one-day break before the semi-finals, but we had a six-day break before. Therefore, we might want all players to participate and spend some time in the middle. This is just my perspective; things might look quite different come tomorrow.”
“The positive aspect is that we have experience playing in Dubai before, and we have encountered similar pitches. We were aware of the challenges we would face here, so we mentally prepared ourselves and arrived here a week early. The practice we undertook also mirrored the conditions we would face. This gave us a bit of extra time to adapt.”
“I am not trying to compete with Rishabh, nor am I trying to emulate him. When he gets his chances, I’m confident that he’ll play to the best of his ability. He is selected based on his unique skills and the value he brings to the team, and the same goes for me.”
Rahul on keeping Pant out
“On such pitches, it’s beneficial for the team if the established batter stays at the crease longer. That’s what can secure an additional 30-40 runs. If wickets keep falling, new batters will struggle a bit.”
“So yes, it’s a consideration for the team as well, whatever the captain or coach decides… There’s always that choice to play him or me.”
“For me, if given the opportunity, I focus on maximizing my performance. I am not trying to compete with Rishabh or replicate his game. When he receives his opportunities, I’m sure he’ll play his own way. He is included in the team for his distinct abilities, and the same applies to me. So, I aim to perform to the best of my abilities and adhere to my style of play.”
“He’s incredibly precise. That’s a trait that often goes unnoticed. While everyone comments on his raw talent and ability to seam the ball in any conditions, not many acknowledge his accuracy and sharpness.”
Rahul on Shami
In his role as wicketkeeper, Rahul has also commended Shami. “Interestingly, he always seems to make sure that I’m diving full-length,” Rahul joked. “He gives me a couple of chances to either shine behind the stumps or look foolish at times.”
“In terms of wicketkeeping, I think he is among the few bowlers whose deliveries really wobble. Both he and, sometimes, Bumrah when he bowls in later spells can be quite challenging.”
“And yes, [Shami is] extremely precise. That’s not something that’s often talked about. People often highlight his talent and ability to seam the ball, but his accuracy and sharpness should also be acknowledged. He can catch you off guard with his speed. Just the other day during nets, he struck me right on the [helmet] badge. All these qualities make him a formidable bowler.”
“I’m really pleased to have him back, and I believe he is nearing his prime form.”