India’s ICC Champions Trophy run was halted for a brief time last week, with the team having a full week’s rest after their hard-fought win over Pakistan. They are next scheduled to play New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday to finish the group stages, but with qualification already attained, eyes are on their semifinal match on Tuesday, leaving them with less than two days’ rest after the final group game.

Team India’s Assistant Coach’s Explanation

As far as captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness is concerned, India has bench strength in the form of Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Washington Sundar. As per Dutch coach Ten Doeschate’s press conference, India could try to utilize their sixth or seventh bowling options more frequently to prevent overloading any one bowler.

“We’ve had two fairly gruelling practice sessions, so that’s been the preparation,” ten Doeschate said in the press conference. “As far as the bench strength goes, I think it is important to make sure we’ve got our best men available and in full fitness for the second game.”

But at the same time, we do not wish to rest them again for another couple of days. So to find that sort of balance, we may try simply to spread the bowling slightly,” said the retired Dutch cricketer.

“But we clearly also want to beat New Zealand too. It’s great that we maintain that momentum and clearly to lead the group also,” he went on. “So the balance of those two things I just said to be considered.“

Rohit Sharma’s Injury Update

Ten Doeschate also clarified the issue regarding Rohit, who had limped off during the match with a hamstring problem. Though Rohit had claimed in a post-match interview during Pakistan’s win that he was okay, Ten Doeschate gave further insight into his fitness before New Zealand’s match.

“He’s all right. It’s a previous injury, so he’s able to take care of it really well,” he explained.

India’s Next Game

Team India’s next and final group game before the semi-finals will be against New Zealand on March 2, 2025 Sunday.