Champions Trophy 2025: India Likely to Rest Shami & Jadeja vs New Zealand

Team India is set to make a couple of changes for their final group match of the 2025 Champions Trophy against New Zealand, to be played on March 2 in Dubai. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are likely to be rested for the game. With Shami and Jadeja resting, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is expected to be in the team. Along with them, there is little hope of captain Rohit Sharma also playing since he is recovering from his injury. With Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja probably being rested, India would require two competent substitutes for them. The team management may think of introducing an additional fast bowler and an all-rounder to stabilise the team.

As per RevSportz, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh will be the replacement for Mohammed Shami, who had some injury issues in the previous match against Pakistan. Shami was forced to leave the field in the middle but returned later to finish his overs. Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is expected to play his first game of the tournament, replacing all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Even though Chakravarthy is not a direct replacement for Jadeja, he brings depth to the bowling attack.

Rishabh Pant Likely to Play His First Match

Reports suggest that wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is set to play his first match of the tournament, though it is unclear who he will replace. If Rohit Sharma is unavailable, Pant could take his place as an opener. India had chosen KL Rahul as their first-choice wicketkeeper for the Champions Trophy, as he has been a reliable performer with both the bat and gloves in the 50-over format.

Pant now has an opportunity to prove himself and earn a place in the Playing XI. Although an extremely skilled wicketkeeper-batsman, India's depth of resources has denied him the chance. He was not feeling well and was absent for the practice session before the game against Pakistan but is fit again to play now. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma's participation is doubtful because he is also recovering from a hamstring injury. He had to withdraw from play against Pakistan but later came on again. In light of the upcoming semi-final, India could decide not to risk their skipper.

India will take on New Zealand on March 2 in their last group-stage encounter before proceeding to the semi-final on March 4 at Dubai. Rohit Sharma and his side have begun the tournament on a strong note by winning both their encounters convincingly. They beat Bangladesh and Pakistan by 6 wickets each, presenting improved performances with bat and ball.

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