Rohit Sharma's Team India are on song in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 as they have already qualified for the semifinal riding on back-to-back wins in their first two matches. They will play their last league-stage match against New Zealand on March 2 at the Dubai International stadium. Meanwhile, while Team India are enjoying their off time, one of their star batters engaged in a private net session counter New Zealand challenge.
No rest day for Shubman Gill as star batter engages in private net session ahead of IND vs NZ clash
Concerns arose regarding India's vice-captain Shubman Gill and his availability for the team's crucial Champions Trophy group-stage match against New Zealand. This apprehension stemmed from his absence during Wednesday's training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai, making him the only player to miss the practice. However, these fears were quickly allayed when it was revealed that Gill had utilized the team's scheduled off day on Thursday, February 27 for a private net session.
Going by a report by Times of India it was clarified that after their victory over Pakistan, the Indian team had taken a day off from formal training. Despite this, Gill opted to refine his skills with an "informal training session" at the ICC Academy. He was accompanied by throwdown specialists and members of the support staff, indicating a focused and dedicated approach to his preparation. While the report did not specify the presence of other players during this session, Gill's decision to utilize his off day for extra practice demonstrated his commitment to the team's success and dispelled any concerns about his fitness or availability for the upcoming match.
"Shubman Gill trained with members of the support staff for an informal session. Since it wasn't an official training day, it looks like a personal session. But it wasn't a marathon one and took place in the afternoon hours," a source privy to the development told TOI.
The no.1 ODI batter Gill is in red-hot form in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. He displayed his batting prowess with a century in the opening match against Bangladesh and then followed it up with an impressive 46 off 52 in high-octane match against Pakistan.
New Zealand, having secured wins against both Bangladesh and Pakistan, currently leads the Group A standings. Reports have confirmed that Gill is scheduled to participate in India's final training session on Friday, ahead of the New Zealand encounter.
Meanwhile, attention has also turned to India's captain, Rohit Sharma, who opted for light jogging instead of rigorous physical activity during Wednesday's training.