Shubman Gill to Lead India if Captain Rohit Sharma is Rested in Champions Trophy 2025 Game vs New Zealand - REPORT

Champions Trophy 2025: Team India have already sealed themselves a semi-final spot in the ongoing marquee ICC event with wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan . The Rohit Sharma -led side still have a game in hand which would be a dead-rubber against New Zealand. For the unversed, India and New Zealand are the two teams that have made it through from Group A. But there is concerning news from the Indian camp as captain Rohit is reportedly suffering from a hamstring issue. 

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Rohit did not bat during Team India's training session after the game against Pakistan. While the outcome of the game against NZ would not affect India's semi-final chances, Rohit may in all probability be rested for that encounter. India would not like to risk him ahead of the semi-final. 

Who Leads India in Rohit's Absence? 

Young Shubman Gill is Rohit's deputy and he would be in charge of the side in the match against New Zealand. If Gill leads the side, it would be the first time he would be leading the national side in ODIs. Even in the game against Pakistan, when Rohit left the field briefly, Gill was in charge of the team. It would be an all-new experience for the India opener to be leading the side in a full match. 

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Who Will Replace Rohit? 

Yashasvi Jaiswal is not part of the squad in Dubai and hence he cannot be in consideration. Varun Chakravarthy was picked in place of Jaiswal. Multiple reports claim that it would be a toss-up between Washington Sundar and Rishabh Pant . With no proper opener in the side, KL Rahul may get the chance of open the batting along with Gill. Who gets picked would be extremely interesting. India may be tempted to pick Sundar over Pant given the conditions in Dubai and the fact that New Zealand have a number of left-handers in their top-order.