Rohit Sharma in Champions Trophy 2025 (Source: AP Photos)
The Champions Trophy 2025 is now into the fag end of its group stage and though the qualification race in Group B is heating up, the two teams from Group A for the semis are already decided. One is New Zealand and another one is India, and both teams will clash in the final group stage game on March 2.
However, before that game, the Men in Blue have some concerns. According to a report from Cricbuzz, Rohit Sharma has an hamstring injury and did not bat in the Wednesday net session. Also, Gill is unwell, but he is likely to fit according to a report. However, there are chances that Rohit Sharma might be rested as India have already qualified and it could prompt some changes in the Indian line-up.
Thus, keeping in mind Rohit Sharma's injury, let's try to analyze India's strongest XI for the game against New Zealand.
Who Will Open For India If Rohit Sharma Is Absent?
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are the designated openers in the India's Champions Trophy squad and have done well in both the games. However, if Rohit is rested, India do not have a designated backup opener as Yashasvi Jaiswal was withdrawn at the cost of an extra bowling option.
Thus, India are left with the option of KL Rahul. He has been batting in the middle order from the last few years and have done that with great success over the years. However, he started off his career as an opening batter and has good record there as well, and his promotion can also help him gain some game-time which has been missing due to Axar batting at number 5 in the recent past.
| Position | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| As Opener | 915 | 43.57 | 79.70 |
| At Number 5 | 1299 | 56.48 | 96.36 |
KL Rahul has 915 runs in 23 innings at an average of 43.57 with three hundreds and six fifties. Also, having KL at the top of the order will help India accomodate Rishabh Pant at number 5. If Pant does well, India can also explore the option of playing him in the semifinal and the change could be a blessing in disguise.
India Not Likely To Experiment With Successful Core
Rest of the players are likely to remain same as despite the qualifcation for the semis, India would like to keep the winning momentum going and not make unnecessary changes. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer have done their job to perfection at number 3 and four while Axar Patel has contributed with both bat and ball.
Hardik has also played the role of a third seamer to the best of his abilities and the presence of Jadeja adds more depth to the batting and bowling line-up. Kuldeep Yadav also picked three important wickets in the last game after a slow start to the tournament while experienced Shami also displayed his class in the opening encounter with a fifer.
Batters In Form
| Players | Runs |
|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | 147 |
| Virat Kohli | 122 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 71 |
Bowlers In Form
| Players | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | 5 |
| Harshit Rana | 4 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 3 |
The only question is between Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, but with Rana picking four wickets in the two matches, he is likely to get a nod over the left-arm seamer again. Thus, India look a settled unit ahead of the clash against the Kiwis and if Rohit is absent, Shubman Gill would get a chance to lead India for the first time in ODIs.
India's Strongest XI For Champions Trophy Match vs New Zealand
KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami
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