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Besides Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill is also reportedly unwell as he didn’t attend India’s practice session on Wednesday night in Dubai.
Rohit Sharma (left) and Shubman Gill (AP Photo)
In worrying signs for India as the Champions Trophy enters its business end, their captain and maverick opener Rohit Sharma is reportedly nursing a hamstring injury. Rohit picked up the injury during India’s high-voltage clash with Pakistan in Dubai last Sunday that saw him leaving the field briefly.
Rohit later opened the innings and made a quick 15-ball 20 as India completed a comfortable chase at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, Rohit was a spectator as his India teammates underwent an “intense batting session”. The 37-year-old skipped training to ensure he doesn’t aggravate the injury given the challenges ahead.
India have already qualified for the semifinals and will face New Zealand next in their final Group A fixture. The winner of that contest will top the group.
Rohit’s opening partner and India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill didn’t attend the practice session either as he choose to stay indoors. Gill, who scored a century in India’s opening match of Champions Trophy, is reportedly unwell.
However, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has recovered from a bout of fever and batted in the nets on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami has been bowling at full pelt in the net sessions allaying fears over his fitness after left the field during the Pakistan match having bowled just three overs. The issue seemed to be with his ankle, but the veteran fast bowler returned to the field and sent down five more overs.
India To Make Changes For New Zealand Clash?
Given the fitness concerns, India might rest a few players for their next fixture to ensure they remain in top shape ahead of the semifinals. They went with the same playing XI for their first two matches of the ICC tournament.
India are scheduled to face New Zealand on March 2. India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in their tournament opener before getting the better of Pakistan by six wickets as well.
For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!
