Champions Trophy: Shubman Gill To Captain India? Rohit Sharma’s Fitness Raises Doubt

Rohit hurt his hamstring while chasing a ball in the early part of Pakistan’s innings in India’s second Group A match last Sunday (February 23). He seemed to struggle with it before leaving the field at the end of the 26th over.

Gill, the designated vice-captain, stepped up to lead India for some time. Rohit returned to the field after a few overs to take up leadership duties, but he did not seem to be a 100% fit. Concerns about Rohit’s fitness became real when he did not bat in India’s first training session in Dubai on Wednesday, two days after their victory against Pakistan.

According to multiple reports, Rohit was the only Indian batter not batting in the nets during India’s rigorous training session on Wednesday. The Indian captain did not even take throwdowns. Rohit, instead, spent a lot of time discussing strategy with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The only shining light was the little sprint that Rohit took. It indicated that the injury is perhaps not as serious as putting a dent in India’s Champions Trophy, but it may just be enough to prompt them to rest Rohit from the New Zealand match.

The match against New Zealand holds little value in the tournament context, as both teams have already confirmed their semi-final spots. The only incentive is to finish as Group A winners. Another major reason why India is considering the possibility of resting captain Rohit Sharma from Sunday’s match is the one-day gap between it and India’s semi-final on Tuesday (March 4).

Irrespective of India’s standing, they are slated to play the first semi-final in Dubai on March 4, as the other one is in Pakistan, and India won’t travel there. The 2013 Champions Trophy winners still don’t know who their opponents will be in that knockout game, as three teams – Australia, Afghanistan and South Africa – in Group B have an equal chance of making it. A lot will depend on the Australia vs Afghanistan match on Friday.