KL Rahul Dismisses Fitness Concerns Ahead of India vs New Zealand Clash
NEW DELHI: As India prepares to face New Zealand in their final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy on March 2, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has put to rest any worries regarding the fitness of skipper Rohit Sharma and pacer Mohammed Shami.
“Fitness-wise, there are no concerns about anyone missing a game as far as I know,” Rahul stated confidently during a press conference.
Squad Rotation Discussions Loom
With the semifinals drawing near, conversations around squad rotation have begun to surface. Rahul acknowledged the allure of experimenting with different players but expressed uncertainty about making any changes. “There are temptations to try different players before the semis, but I am not sure that will be the case. There is little time before the semifinals, so you would want players to get maximum game time. This is my perspective, but things could change. I am not part of the leadership group,” he added.
India’s recent victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium has secured their spot in the semifinals. A composed half-century from Shreyas Iyer and impactful bowling from Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya ensured a six-wicket win. However, the match wasn’t without its tense moments, as both Shami and Rohit faced fitness scares.
Fitness Scares During the Pakistan Match
Shami showed signs of discomfort with his ankle early in his spell, temporarily leaving the field before returning to bowl. He ultimately finished with figures of 0/43 from eight overs. Meanwhile, Rohit appeared to struggle with a hamstring issue following his exuberant celebration of Babar Azam’s wicket, briefly handing over leadership duties to vice-captain Shubman Gill.
Despite these minor setbacks, India remains confident heading into the encounter against New Zealand, looking to further solidify their dominance in the tournament.
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As India continues to build momentum, the highly anticipated clash against New Zealand promises to be a thrilling contest.