India vs New Zealand: Shami likely to be replaced by Arshdeep in final group match of Champions Trophy

Senior pacer Mohammed Shami is likely to be rested for India's final group match of the ICC Champions Trophy against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. The Men in Blue have already qualified for the semi-finals along with the Black Caps after beating Bangladesh and Pakistan in the previous week, and they might be inclined to bring left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh into the mix for Sunday’s game keeping Shami’s workload and fitness levels in mind.

Champions Trophy 2025: News |  Schedule |  Results |  Points Table

According to news agency Press Trust of India, the Indian team’s practice session on Friday was a good indicator of what their bowling unit was going to be like for the final match before the knockout phase of the Champions Trophy got underway.

More from First Cricket

Former New Zealand coach who defeated India in WTC final appointed Andhra Pradesh head coach for Ranji Trophy Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by six wickets to record commanding win in Asia Cup 2025

Arshdeep bowls full steam in practice session ahead of NZ game

While Arshdeep had bowled 13 overs with a full run-up under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Morne Morkel, Shami bowled six to seven overs with a curtailed run-up. Shami was also seen receiving treatment on his right leg during India’s blockbuster match against Pakistan last Sunday, which the Men in Blue ended up winning by six wickets.

Given the fact that he is leading the Indian attack in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir will be hoping to keep him fresh for the all-important semi-final and the subsequent final, should they qualify.

Also Read | Rahul, ten Doeschate comment on possibility of India making changes for NZ match

Shami had starred in India’s victory over Bangladesh, also by a margin of six wickets, collecting 5/53 that helped the two-time Champions Trophy winners bowl Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side out for a sub-par 228.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in new report

PCB bans players from WCL over India-Pakistan match controversy

The 34-year-old, however, went wicketless against Pakistan three days after collecting his sixth ODI five-for, conceding 43 runs in eight overs.

Arshdeep Singh, widely seen as a T20 specialist, had starred in India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign in the US and the Caribbean in June last year and will be making his maiden appearance in an ICC ODI event should skipper Rohit confirm his place in the XI against the Kiwis on Sunday.