There is talk that Rohit, Shami, and one of the spinners might not play in Sunday’s game.
DUBAI: India may decide to rest some senior players and give a chance to others in their last Group A match against New Zealand on Sunday. Since both teams have already reached the knockout stage, this game is less important and is a good chance to try out new players.
India’s semifinal is scheduled just one day after the match against New Zealand, so there is little time to rest. Although India wants to finish at the top of Group A by winning this game, it is more important to have a fit team for the semifinal.
During the team’s practice on Wednesday at the ICC Academy, the players had an intense three-hour session. The batsmen worked on hitting big shots. However, Rohit Sharma did not bat in the nets. Instead, he only hit a few tennis balls with his bat while the rest of the team played a catching game, which even involved a ball bouncing off a helmet.
It seems that Rohit took it easy during practice to rest his hamstring, while Shubman Gill stayed at the hotel. The 37-year-old even went to the dressing room briefly during Pakistan’s innings but then came back to the field. He later played in India’s successful chase of 242 runs, scoring 20 off 15 balls, with three fours and one six.
There is also speculation that pacer Mohammed Shami and one spinner—either Ravindra Jadeja or Kuldeep Yadav—might be rested for Sunday’s match. Since New Zealand has many left-handers, off-spinner Washington Sundar could get a chance to play.
If Shami is rested, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh may make his Champions Trophy debut. And if Rohit takes a break, Rahul might open the batting while wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant could also get an opportunity.
