Vice-captain clarifies no discussions on Rohit’s ODI future ahead of Champions Trophy final against New Zealand
Dubai [UAE], March 9 – With India gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, speculation has been rife about Rohit Sharma’s future in the ODI format. However, vice-captain Shubman Gill has firmly dismissed any talk of the Indian skipper’s retirement.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Gill clarified that no discussions about Rohit’s future have taken place in the dressing room.
“No discussion in the dressing room or with me—even Rohit bhai would be thinking about the Champions Trophy final, like all of us. So, nothing like that now,” Gill stated.
While he admitted that Rohit might take a decision after the final, he emphasized that the focus remains on winning the title.
“I think once the match ends tomorrow, he will make a decision. There is no talk about it within the setup.”
India vs. New Zealand: A Battle for Redemption
With India remaining unbeaten in the tournament and New Zealand showing great form under Mitchell Santner, the final promises to be an intense showdown. The clash also serves as a rematch of the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy final, which New Zealand won, as well as a chance for India to avenge their heartbreaking defeats in the 2019 World Cup semifinal and 2021 World Test Championship final.
Key Players and Recent Form
🔹 India: Varun Chakravarthy, India’s ‘secret weapon,’ proved to be the game-changer in their 44-run group-stage win over New Zealand, taking 5/42—the same figures as Kiwi pacer Matt Henry, who shone with the ball for his team. Shreyas Iyer top-scored for India with 79 off 98 balls, while Mohammed Shami’s pace attack will be crucial in the final.
🔹 New Zealand: Kane Williamson led from the front with 81 (120 balls) in the previous encounter, but the lack of middle-order support cost them. With Matt Henry’s lethal bowling and Rachin Ravindra’s all-round brilliance, the Kiwis will look to turn the tables in the final.
Final Showdown: Who Will Prevail?
The pitch at Dubai International Stadium is expected to favor spin, which plays into India’s strengths. However, New Zealand’s adaptability and past success against India in ICC tournaments make them dangerous opponents.
With India chasing another ICC title and New Zealand hungry for glory, the Champions Trophy final is set to deliver a nail-biting battle between two cricketing powerhouses.
Squads
India:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand:
Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Daryl Mitchell, Nathan Smith, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy.
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