In the Champions Trophy 2025, India triumphed over New Zealand, with Varun Chakravarthy taking five wickets to secure a 44-run victory. Led by Rohit Sharma, India finished the group stage unbeaten and will face Australia in the semi-finals. Despite the win, concerns about fielding, particularly KL Rahul’s catching, were raised by players like Virat Kohli and fans. Rahul dropped crucial catches during the match, leading to questions about his position over Rishabh Pant. India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, affirmed Rahul’s role as the first-choice wicketkeeper. Former captain Sourav Ganguly praised the team’s potential in white-ball cricket.
The India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Group A match on Sunday featured moments when it appeared that Rohit Sharma’s team might be on the verge of its first defeat in the Champions Trophy 2025. However, as has frequently happened in this tournament, India discovered a new hero who led them to a convincing victory over their opponents. This time, it was Varun Chakravarthy, who, in just his second ODI, crafted an impressive performance and claimed a five-wicket haul. India will next encounter Australia in the semi-finals and must address some issues before this crucial match. One key area that requires attention is their fielding.
During the match against New Zealand, India’s wicketkeeper KL Rahul was found lacking on multiple occasions, which did not sit well with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
KL Rahul dropped Williamson at 17, and again at 68. There’s a reason every team opts for a regular wicketkeeper, yet this management seems oblivious https://t.co/YT6uscLbC6
— Sandy (@flamboypant) March 2, 2025
Rishabh Pant commenting on every catch KL Rahul is missing #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/W0AxmKKk4y
— ICT Fan (@Delphy06) March 2, 2025
What if KL RAHUL drops a catch from Travis Head in the semi-final/knockout match? What justifies his selection in the playing eleven over Rishabh Pant? #KLRahul #TravisHead #IndiaVsNewZealand #INDvsAUS #AUSvsIND #AUSvIND #ChampionsTrophy #ViratKohli𓃵 #ViratKohli #Trending pic.twitter.com/sCGZjgxywt
— Hemant Sharma (@delightedhemant) March 3, 2025
Earlier, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized that KL Rahul is the designated first-choice wicketkeeper before the Champions Trophy.
“Ultimately, it is quite challenging to discuss individual players. However, I can say that if he is part of the squad, when the right moment arises, he might be given a chance. As of now, it is clear that KL is the primary wicketkeeper, and he has performed well for us,” Gambhir told reporters.
“When you have two wicketkeepers in the team, playing both isn’t feasible considering the quality we have. We hope that whenever his (Pant’s) opportunity arises, he will be prepared. For now, KL is the one who will start,” Gambhir added.
Meanwhile, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly praised Team India following their victory over New Zealand in the final group stage match of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, asserting that they possess the capability to overpower any team in white-ball cricket.
India secured their spot in the semifinal against rivals Australia on March 4 after achieving a 44-run victory over NZ in their ICC Champions Trophy match, concluding the group stage with three consecutive wins.
Speaking to ANI, Ganguly stated, “India won the last T20 World Cup (in 2024) and reached the final (of the 50-over format in 2023). This is a very strong white-ball team, capable of defeating anyone.”
Regarding Mohammed Shami’s return to competition, highlighted by a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in the CT 2025 campaign opener, Ganguly remarked, “Injuries can affect anyone; it’s an aspect of a fast bowler’s career. He has been pivotal in many victories for India alongside (Jasprit) Bumrah. He is an exceptional bowler.”
With inputs from ANI
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