IND vs NZ Playing 11: After qualifying for the semifinal of the Champions Trophy 2025, Team India are currently preparing for their third group stage clash against New Zealand. India captain Rohit Sharma will likely to get rested for the upcoming clash as he hurt his hamstring while chasing a ball in the early part of Pakistan's innings in India's second Group A match last Sunday (February 23). Rohit was seen struggling before leaving the field at the end of the 26th over.
If Rohit misses the upcoming clash against New Zealand then vice captain Shubman Gill will lead the team. As per Indian Express, Indian management is looking to rest regular captain Rohit from the inconsequential match. Rohit's deputy Gill led the team for some time in his absence. However, Rohit returned to the field but he didn't seem 100 per cent fit. Concerns about Rohit's fitness arose when India captain did not bat in India's first training session in Dubai on Wednesday, two days after their victory against Pakistan.
As per multiple reports, Rohit was the only Indian batter not batting in the nets during the training sessions. The Indian captain did not even take throwdowns. Rohit, instead, spent a lot of time discussing strategy with head coach Gautam Gambhir. As the upcoming clash against New Zealand is not that important because both teams have qualified for the semifinal, the Indian management could give rest to Rohit Sharma as there is a one-day gap between the New Zealand clash and India's semifinal which will take place on March 4.
Who will replace Rohit Sharma?
If India captain misses the upcoming Champions Trophy clash against New Zealand, then the right-handed batter will likely to be replaced by Rishabh Pant or Washington Sundar. Both batters reportedly spent long hours in the nets, which they hadn't done before any of the matches in Dubai in this tournament. India are without a backup opener in the mega event as during their last minute change they dropped Yashasvi Jaiswal. In that case, KL Rahul will open alongside Shubman Gill, and he had done in before and most recently in Australia.
India's probable playing XI against New Zealand
KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant/Washington Sundar , Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav
