The Indian captain Rohit Sharma has skipped batting in the nets as the team has started their first training session ahead of their final Group A match against New Zealand in Dubai on March 02.
India trained under lights at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy ground on Wednesday.
Shubman Gill missed the session, but there are no concerns about his fitness as India gear up for the final group stage matches of the Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand.
Rohit Sharma was seen doing fitness drills and spent most of the time with a strength and conditions coach, according to the official broadcasters.
Rohit Sharma suffered a hamstring injury during India’s six-wicket win against Pakistan missing nearly ten overs on the field.
He appeared uncomfortable and required medical attention during Pakistan’s innings. However, he walked out to bat and smashed 20 off 15 balls, helping India get off to a strong start in their successful chase of 242.
Despite skipping net practice, Rohit had a close watch on India’s training session. He had a lengthy discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir and also participated in a light-hearted training routine using a tennis racquet.
Meanwhile, Morne Morkel rejoined the squad and was seen overseeing the session. Morkel had travelled to Dubai with the team but left to his home in between due to a family emergency.
📸📸 Prepping 🆙 for #NZvIND 👌👌#TeamIndia | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/YpL0V6aCKw
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 27, 2025
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli who smashed a match-winning century against Pakistan has been focussing more on spin facing local net bowlers in preparation for a trial by spin against New Zealand.
He played a wide range of shots, confidently advancing down the track against spinners.
Rishabh Pant also spent a considerable amount of time along with Virat Kohli in the practice session. It remains to be seen whether Pant will get a game, having benched for India’s first two Champions Trophy matches.
On the other hand, Hardik Pandya focussed on working with both bat and ball. Pacers Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana trained in the middle, working on their lines and lengths, while the spinners have also some serious net sessions.
With India qualified for the semi-finals, it remains to be seen if they would make changes in their lineup. Rishabh Pant, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Arshdeep Singh are yet to feature in the Champions Trophy.
