 "KL Rahul during a press-conference for India. Image: ICC")
India are all set to lock horns against New Zealand in their final group-stage game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both teams have already secured their semi-finals berths and will now aim to finish at the top of their Group A points table. The match is scheduled to take place in Dubai on 2 March.
Champions Trophy 2025: News | Schedule | Results | Points Table
Doeschate hints at bringing another spinner in the playing XI
Ahead of the crucial encounter, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at potential changes in India’s bowling attack while maintaining that the team’s balance remains a priority. The former Netherlands cricketer also highlighted the importance of managing players’ workload while ensuring they maintain momentum heading into the knockout stages.
“New Zealand have four spinners, so it could be a contest of spin. We weren’t expecting such an over-reliance on spin coming into the tournament, but the bowlers have done well, and the pitch has played its part. It will likely be the same for the next game,” he said.
“We’ve had two tough training sessions, which have been part of our preparation. The priority is to keep our best players available and fit for the semi-final on March 4. However, we don’t want to rest them too much either. We might share the bowling load a little, but we definitely want to win against New Zealand,” he added.
Doeschate went on to provide an update on Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness after an injury scare in the game against Pakistan. Doeschate said Rohit is absolutely fine and that he knows how to handle the injury.
“He’s all right. You can see he’s batting slightly differently, but it’s an injury he has dealt with before. He knows how to handle it well,” he said.
KL Rahul on India’s injury concerns
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul also provided insights into the team’s fitness status.
“From what I know, everything seems pretty okay. There are no major concerns about anyone missing games. We’ll have a better idea after today’s training,” Rahul said.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“We’ve had a six-day break now and only one rest day before the semi-finals. We’d probably want all players to get some game time and stay in rhythm. But that’s my view; we might see something different tomorrow,” he said.