Shubman Gill may make his ODI captaincy debut in the last group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday as the Indian team management is mulling resting regular captain Rohit Sharma from the inconsequential match, reported The Indian Express. Rohit 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). He seemed to struggle with it before leaving the field at the end of the 26th over.
Gill, the designated vice-captain, stepped up to lead India for some time. Rohit returned to the field after a few overs to take up leadership duties, but he did not seem to be a 100% fit. Concerns about Rohit’s fitness became real when he did not bat in India’s first training session in Dubai on Wednesday, two days after their victory against Pakistan.
Rohit was the only Indian batter not batting in the nets during India’s rigorous training session on Wednesday. The Indian captain did not even take throwdowns. Rohit, instead, spent a lot of time discussing strategy with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The only shining light was the little sprint that Rohit took. It indicated that the injury is perhaps not as serious as putting a dent in India’s Champions Trophy, but it may just be enough to prompt them to rest Rohit from the New Zealand match.
