India is all set to play against New Zealand on March 2 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE, but the team is likely to go on the field without skipper Rohit Sharma who is expected to miss the game due to hamstring injury. With absence of Rohit Sharma one more big player that is likely to miss out on this game is India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami. The reason behind these two missing out can be India benching their strongest ones and giving them rest to prepare and recover for the knockout semi-final match.

India’s Opening Pair – KL Rahul To Open With Shubman Gill

In the absence of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul is likely to be promoted as an opener with Shubman Gill. More responsibility will be on both the players to handle the innings, it is a perfect combination as Shubman Gill brings in his power-hitting while KL Rahul on the other hand brings experience to stabilize the innings and forming a solid partnership.

Rishabh Pant IN

India’s star wicket-keeper batter is likely to get a chance in this match against New Zealand. His counter-attacking approach can put New Zealand’s bowlers under pressure, especially in the death overs. With Rohit Sharma likely to be given rest, this will provide great opportunity for Rishabh Pant to leave his mark in the Champions Trophy 2025

Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana To Lead The Pace Attack

Arshdeep Singh brings variety to the pace attack and his ability to swing the new ball, bowling perfect yorkers in the death overs will be an added advantage for India. Harshit Rana, the young pacer has impressed in domestic cricket, and his raw pace can trouble New Zealand’s batters. This match presents a golden opportunity for him to showcase his talent on the big stage.

India’s Predicted Playing XI

Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana