In a surprising turn of events, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was the only frontline batter to skip net practice during a training session ahead of India’s crucial Champions Trophy 2025 match against New Zealand. According to a report from the Times of India, while the rest of the team engaged in rigorous training at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy, Rohit opted to stay away from the nets, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Rohit Sharma’s Limited Participation in Training
Following India’s impressive victory over Pakistan, the team returned to the field for their first practice session at the ICC Academy. While all players participated in warm-up exercises, including a football match and running laps, Rohit did not engage in any strenuous activity. Reports indicate that he was closely monitored by Strength & Conditioning coach Soham Desai and was seen jogging gently instead of running freely. This cautious approach has sparked speculation regarding his physical condition, particularly after he appeared to struggle with a hamstring injury during the Pakistan game.
Despite these concerns, Rohit had assured during the post-match presentation that there was no reason to worry about his fitness. However, his limited movement during practice and complete absence from net sessions have led to questions about whether he will be at full strength for the upcoming clash against New Zealand.
Shadow Batting and Tactical Discussions
While Rohit refrained from facing throwdowns or spending time in the nets, he was seen shadow batting on the sidelines. More notably, he engaged in detailed discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir and other members of the coaching staff, possibly strategizing for the match against New Zealand. His absence from the nets might have been a precautionary measure, but with an important match approaching, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close watch on his condition.
Virat Kohli’s Intense Training Against Spinners
Meanwhile, star batter Virat Kohli was seen putting in extensive hours at the nets, particularly focusing on facing spin bowling. With the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja bowling to him, Kohli appeared determined to fine-tune his technique against slow bowlers. The presence of net bowlers also gave him an opportunity to further hone his skills, as he spent over half an hour facing deliveries from them. Given New Zealand’s spin arsenal, Kohli’s preparation signals a clear intent to be ready for any challenges the Kiwi bowlers might pose.
Mohammed Shami and Indian Pacers in Full Swing
Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami was another key figure at the training session, bowling at full tilt and generating significant movement. His deliveries were sharp, and he even managed to strike Kohli on the pads twice, showcasing his ability to trouble the best of batters. Alongside Shami, young pacers Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh also put in impressive shifts, demonstrating a high level of energy and focus. With bowling coach Morne Morkel back in the camp after attending to a personal emergency, the pace attack looked well-drilled and raring to go.
Morkel’s Return and Strategic Preparations
Morne Morkel, who had to leave the Indian squad temporarily before their opening Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh on February 20, rejoined the team in Dubai. His return was marked by long discussions with head coach Gambhir while the players underwent warm-up drills. His presence is expected to be a significant boost for the bowling unit, ensuring that the attack is well-prepared to tackle New Zealand’s strong batting lineup.
Shubman Gill’s Absence from Training
Another notable aspect of the training session was the absence of in-form opener Shubman Gill. The young batter, who has been India’s standout performer in the tournament so far, was missing from practice. While there has been no official confirmation regarding his absence, it is possible that the team management decided to give him a rest ahead of the crucial match against New Zealand.
India’s Road Ahead in the Champions Trophy 2025
With the group stage reaching a critical phase, India’s encounter against New Zealand is expected to be a pivotal match. The Kiwis have always been a challenging opponent for India in ICC tournaments, and with both teams eyeing a spot in the knockout rounds, the contest is set to be fiercely competitive.
While India’s bowling unit looks sharp and well-prepared under Morkel’s guidance, Rohit Sharma’s fitness remains a talking point. His experience and leadership at the top of the order are crucial, and fans will be eager to see if he takes the field at full fitness against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Kohli’s preparations against spin and Shami’s exceptional bowling rhythm are positive signs for the Indian team. As the squad gears up for the challenge ahead, all eyes will be on Rohit and whether he can overcome his injury concerns in time for Sunday’s match.
With anticipation building, the Indian team management will be hoping for a fully fit squad as they continue their quest for Champions Trophy glory. The coming days will be crucial in determining Rohit’s participation, and fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on his condition ahead of the much-anticipated clash.