Champions Trophy 2025: Injury Scare For Rohit Sharma's Team India Ahead Of Crucial New Zealand Game? Massive Change Expected

Rohit Sharma 's India has cruised comfortably so far in the ongoing Champions Trophy . The 'men in blue' have already qualified for the semi-finals with one group stage game still remaining. India lock horns with New Zealand in the last Group A match. India has already defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh and the match against New Zealand will be India's last chance to prepare for the semi-finals. The 'men in blue', of course have an added advantage of playing on the same venue. India play all their matches in the Dubai International Stadium even if they qualify for the summit clash.

India walked into the Champions Trophy with a few issues. Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav were returning from injuries. Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out and was later replaced by Harshit Rana in the playing XI, but the Asian cricketing giants have somehow figured out a way and have been nothing but impressive in the tournament so far.

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Mohammed Shami Likely to Miss IND vs NZ Champions Trophy Clash

Star India pacer Mohammed Shami raised many eyebrows when he walked back to the dressing room after a brief spell during the India vs Pakistan game. Though the pacer returned back and completed his quote of 10 overs, but it is now being reported that he might miss the India vs New Zealand game. Both India and New Zealand have already qualified for the semi-finals and the game is as good as a dead rubber.

Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh was spotted bowling under the watchful eyes of India bowling coach Morne Morkel which is an indication that he might replace Mohammed Shami in India's playing XI for the New Zealand game. 'We've had two pretty tough training sessions, so that's been the preparation. In terms of the bench strength, I think the priority is making sure that we have our best guys available and fully fit for the second game', said assistant coach Ryan Doeschate.

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India Look To Extend Dominant Record Against New Zealand

New Zealand haven't beaten India in an ODI since 2022. India had also knocked New Zealand out of the 2023 ODI World Cup , after defeating them by seventy odd runs. In all of the 118 ODIs that India and New Zealand have played against each other, the 'men in blue' have won 60 games, whereas the 'Blackcaps' have won 50 games.

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