Reports: Shubman Gill to lead against New Zealand amid Rohit Sharma’s injury scare

Shubman Gill is poised to make his One Day International (ODI) captaincy debut for India in their upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against New Zealand. This development comes as regular skipper Rohit Sharma is likely to be rested due to a hamstring injury he sustained during India’s previous game against Pakistan.

Rohit Sharma’s injury occurred while he was chasing a ball early in Pakistan’s innings. Although he continued to play, his movements appeared restricted, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the crucial stages of the tournament. As a precautionary measure, the team management is considering resting him for the match against New Zealand.

Shubman Gill, currently serving as the vice-captain, is expected to step into the leadership role in Rohit’s absence. This will mark Gill’s first time captaining the Indian side in an ODI match. The young opener has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, and this opportunity will add a significant milestone to his burgeoning career.

India has already secured a spot in the semifinals of the Champions Trophy, making the upcoming match against New Zealand less critical in terms of progression. This scenario provides the team management with an opportunity to test their bench strength and give emerging players like Gill a chance to showcase their leadership capabilities on an international platform.