In India’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand, vice-captain Shubman Gill may captain the team if Rohit Sharma, struggling with hamstring issues, is rested. With India already qualified for the semi-finals, resting Rohit is a possibility. Gill, seen as a future leader for India, could showcase his leadership skills. Rohit’s absence might lead to batting lineup changes, potentially moving KL Rahul to open with Gill and bringing Rishabh Pant into the team for a finisher’s role. Rohit, who missed training, was observed working with the strength and conditioning coach, raising concerns about his fitness.
Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in Champions Trophy© AFP
The Indian cricket team may get a glimpse of its future during the Champions Trophy match against New Zealand, as vice-captain Shubman Gill is likely to be offered the chance to lead the team. With Rohit Sharma not being fully fit, a report suggests that the team management might opt to rest the skipper for the final Group A game in the Champions Trophy. Given that India has already secured a spot in the semi-finals, the management can afford to rest Rohit for this match.
If Rohit sits out, vice-captain Shubman Gill is expected to captain the team. Many have voiced their support for Gill to potentially take on the captaincy for India across formats in the future. This could provide the cricketing world with a glimpse into what kind of leadership skills Gill possesses.
As reported by Indian Express, Rohit continues to deal with a hamstring issue that he sustained during the last match against Pakistan. He had to walk off the field during that game, which allowed Gill to take charge. Nevertheless, Rohit did return to lead the team once again.
On Wednesday, however, Rohit did not participate in the nets, being the only Indian batter to skip the training session. He did not even engage in throwdowns and was observed working indoors with India’s strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist, raising concerns about his hamstring condition.
If Rohit is rested, we could see several adjustments in the batting order for the match against New Zealand. His absence may require KL Rahul to open the batting alongside Shubman Gill, which could lead to Rishabh Pant being included in the lineup to assume the finisher’s role previously occupied by Rahul.
However, if Pant also takes on wicketkeeping duties, Rahul may have to be positioned in the outfield despite having been keeping wickets since the beginning of the tournament.
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