Champions Trophy: India Faces Big Selection Dilemma Ahead of NZ Clash: Mohammed Shami Likely to Sit Out

🔹 Arshdeep Singh in contention as team management considers Shami’s fitness and NZ’s left-heavy batting order

📅 Updated: March 1, 2025

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🇮🇳 Shami’s Fitness Concerns Raise Questions for India vs New Zealand Clash

As India gears up for its crucial Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match against New Zealand on Sunday, the team management is weighing a major selection call. Star pacer Mohammed Shami may be rested, with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh likely to replace him, given New Zealand’s batting composition and Shami’s recent fitness concerns.

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During India’s match against Pakistan on February 23, Shami received on-field treatment for his right leg after bowling his third over. Since returning from a long injury layoff, the veteran pacer has been managed carefully, and the team may opt to give him a break before the all-important semi-finals.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: Australia’s Matthew Short Injured Ahead Of Semi-Finals

👀 Key Observations from Training Session:

• Shami bowled just 6-7 overs at a reduced intensity.
• Arshdeep bowled 13 overs at full steam under the supervision of bowling coach Morne Morkel.
• Shami’s restricted workload suggests a possible rest ahead of the knockouts.

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🏏 Rohit Sharma Fit, But KL Rahul vs Rishabh Pant Debate Continues

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Can Afghanistan Still Qualify? All Possible Scenarios

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also provided updates on captain Rohit Sharma, reassuring that he is managing his injury well.

🗣️ “He’s all right. He’s batting and even did some fielding earlier. It’s an injury he has dealt with before, and he knows how to manage it,” said ten Doeschate.

Meanwhile, the KL Rahul vs Rishabh Pant debate remains a hot topic. Rahul has been India’s preferred wicketkeeper, while Pant has been benched.

📌 ten Doeschate on selection challenges:

• “It’s been very hard on Rishabh not playing, but that’s the nature of sport at this level.”
• “KL’s been good, though he hasn’t had many chances at No. 6 or 7. But his knock against Bangladesh was crucial.”

With India already qualified for the semi-finals, the team might tweak its lineup to test different combinations before the knockout stage.

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🔮 What’s Next for India in Champions Trophy 2025?

✅ Shami could be rested, Arshdeep likely to play
✅ Rohit Sharma managing his injury, expected to play
✅ KL Rahul retains wicketkeeping role over Rishabh Pant
✅ India aims to finish top of Group A with a win vs NZ

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