Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team will be heading towards the much-awaited edition of the Champions Trophy 2025 after beating England 3-0 in the ODI series. India suffered a setback on Tuesday when Jasprit Bumrah was disqualified from the Champions Trophy due to a back ailment he sustained after winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In all three matches, however, India bowled out England in spite of his absence.
Gambhir on Shami
Head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke on Mohammed Shami and said he did not play so he could get rest before the mega tournament. His remark also indicated Shami might be a prominent part of the playing XI with Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh supporting him from the other end.
"It’s still early days, Yeah, guys have shown some really good signs. Harshit [Rana] has come along really well. Arshdeep [Singh] was really good today as well; he got his first opportunity. Obviously, you would miss a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah. But, then it is always good to have someone like Mohammad Shami back with his experience and quality. Yes, someone like a Harshit or an Arshdeep will have to raise their hand up in the Champions Trophy along with Mohammad Shami. [Someone] Missing could also be a great opportunity for someone else. That is how sport goes and hopefully these guys can deliver," Gambhir said after the match
Gambhir on KL Rahul
Prior to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir endorsed wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, referring to him as the team's primary keeper option. Rahul and Rishabh Pant are the two wicketkeepers that India has selected for the Champions Trophy. During India's final assignment before the major event, a three-match ODI series against England, the team management demonstrated faith in Rahul.
Pant was consequently forced to warm the bench during the three-match rubber and was not given the opportunity to play in the starting lineup. Rahul's batting performance was poor in the first two games of the series, as he was bowled for two and ten, respectively. In the third game, he finally regained his form, scoring 40 (29) to help India reach 356.
"KL is our No 1 wicketkeeper and this is what I can say at the moment. Rishabh Pant will get his chance but at the moment it is KL who has done well and we cannot play two wicketkeeper-batters," said Gambhir in the post-match press conference.