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No Shami; Arshdeep To Make India Return In Champions Trophy Match vs NZ: Report

Rajgeeta Yadav

Arshdeep Singh likely to play Champions Trophy match against NZ [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X, AP]Arshdeep Singh likely to play Champions Trophy match against NZ [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X, AP]

India star fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, might be rested for their upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage match against New Zealand on March 2. In his place, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is expected to make it into the playing XI. With two wins already under their belt, India aim to finish the group stage with a perfect record of three victories.

According to a PTI report, the practice session on Friday gave a strong hint that Arshdeep could replace Shami. Arshdeep was seen practicing extensively with bowling coach Morne Morkel, delivering 13 overs at full intensity. On the other hand, Shami bowled only 6-7 overs with a shorter run-up and was not bowling at full speed.

This decision is likely due to Shami’s recent recovery from a long injury break. In India’s match against Pakistan on February 23, he was seen receiving treatment on his right leg after bowling his third over. Given these signs, the team management might opt to rest him before the crucial semi-final match.

Team Management Hints At Possible Changes

India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, hinted at a possible change in the bowling lineup. Although wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul was unsure if the team would tweak their winning combination, ten Doeschate suggested that managing the bowlers’ workload is a key consideration.

“They’ve had a lot of rest now. But it’s how you back the two games up. So if all the seamers are going to bowl 10 overs and then say we bowl second in the first game, we’re bowling 36 hours later, we’re bowling first, that’s quite a workload," ten Doeschate said.

“So that’s what I was alluding to. One of the options is to make sure the guys don’t bowl their full quota of overs, if that opportunity allows itself. But we’re ready to manage that in the field and try and keep the guys as fresh as possible for the first and the final," ten Doeschate added.

India and New Zealand have already secured their spots in the semi-finals. However, it is still unclear who India will face in the knockout stage. The likely opponents could be South Africa or Australia, depending on how the remaining group-stage matches unfold.