Shubman Gill to lead India in 2025 Champions Trophy as Rohit may rest vs New Zealand: Report
Shubman Gill may lead India in the last ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage match against New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai. Team management is considering resting Rohit Sharma, who hurt his hamstring while fielding against Pakistan. Rohit struggled with the injury and left the field during the 26th over before returning later.
Gill, India’s vice-captain, took charge briefly in Rohit’s absence. Concerns grew when Rohit skipped batting in India’s first training session in Dubai. He did not take throwdowns and spent time strategizing with head coach Gautam Gambhir. However, a short sprint indicated his injury might not be serious, but India may still rest him as a precaution before the semi-final on March 4.
With both India and New Zealand already in the semi-finals, the match holds little significance beyond deciding Group A’s winner. Rohit’s fitness remains a priority, especially with just a day’s gap between Sunday’s match and the semi-final.
If Rohit sits out, India may replace him with Rishabh Pant or Washington Sundar. Both spent extended time in the nets, hinting at a possible inclusion. India lacks a backup opener after replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal with spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. KL Rahul could open, but that would disrupt the middle order. Pant, who has opened in shorter formats before, could play the aggressor in the powerplay.
Gill, who captained India’s T20I squad in Zimbabwe last year, won that series 4-1. His leadership potential became evident when he was named vice-captain for the England series and Champions Trophy. Rohit praised Gill’s consistency in ODIs, which saw him rise to No.1 in the rankings.
Gill has been in top form this tournament, scoring a century against Bangladesh and 46 against Pakistan. He even attended a private nets session on Thursday to refine his skills. If he leads on Sunday, it will mark his ODI captaincy debut on a big stage.
