Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma stayed away from net practice during a training session on Wednesday prior to India’s Champions Trophy 2025 match against New Zealand, a report by Times of India said. While all the top-order batters practiced their skills in the nets, Rohit kept to himself, which raised questions about his fitness.
Rohit Sharma Takes It Easy After Hamstring Injury
After India’s win against Pakistan, the team had their first training at the ICC Academy. Players did warm-up exercises such as football and running laps, but Rohit avoided any rigorous activity. The report mentioned that he “jogged gently under the supervision of Strength & Conditioning coach Soham Desai” but did not move freely.
Rohit was injured in his hamstring during the game against Pakistan but played down any worries at the post-match ceremony, vouching that he was alright. However, he did not undergo any throwdowns in training, rather choosing shadow batting and meetings with head coach Gautam Gambhir and the coaches.
Virat Kohli Emphasizes Spin Bowling Training
Unlike Rohit, Virat Kohli worked tirelessly in practice sessions, with emphasis on playing spinners. He practiced against Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja along with net bowlers in preparation for the challenge from New Zealand on Sunday.
Coach of bowling Morne Morkel, who was absent for a personal crisis, returned to the team and strictly monitored the bowlers in training. He was spotted holding intensive discussions with Gambhir as he watched the preparations of the team.
Mohammed Shami bowled with full force, swinging the ball both ways and even hitting Kohli twice on the pads. Young pacers Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh also showed grit, honing their skills in preparation for the decisive match. With Morkel’s tutelage, the bowlers seemed ready for the task New Zealand presents.
Shubman Gill Skips Practice
India’s leading batter in the tournament, Shubman Gill, was notably missing from training. His non-availability does not have a clear reason as yet, but his robust showing in the past games could have given him some respite ahead of the do-or-die game.
In light of India’s efforts for another solid display in the Champions Trophy, eyes will be set on the fitness of Rohit Sharma going into the must-win encounter with New Zealand.
