IND vs NZ: Mohammed Shami Out For Next Match Against New Zealand? Who Will Play In Place of Shami?

Team India qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals with back-to-back victories against Bangladesh and Pakistan. Their next challenge is against New Zealand on March 2, Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. The match may however be of unimportance, but India will try to go for the kill and top Group A.

Meanwhile, former England speedster Darren Gough has suggested a major tactical change: that is, for India to rest Mohammad Shami and go with another spinner.

Shami’s Ankle Injury – A Cause for Concern?

Mohammed Shami was injured when he banged his ankle after sending down only three overs in India’s last cricket match against Pakistan, he called for the physio and walked off the field. Fortunately, he came back and bowled well enough, but the injury scare has raised their concerns if he is fine or not.

Gough thinks resting Shami can be a smart move, compared with regardless of the remaining match commit, due to India already secured qualification and also on a turning pitch in Dubai.

Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Top Five Highest Individual Scores

Darren Gough’s Suggestion: Drop Shami, Bring In a Spinner

In conversation with Hindustan Times, Darren Gough reiterated that India must rotate their squad and introduce another spinner for their next IND vs NZ match.

“They probably should rest him. They’ve got the confidence after beating Pakistan. With their strong batting lineup, they can afford to make a change. Dubai pitches assist spinners, and we saw Hardik Pandya bowling brilliantly, so I would expect India to rest Shami.”

Gough also commented that Hardik Pandya could easily step into the role of a second seamer, which would allow India to boost its spin.

Who Could Replace Mohammed Shami IND vs NZ?

If India rest Mohammed Shami, they can choose a substitute from several good options in their playing XI. The most obvious options would be:

1. Kuldeep Yadav – A Mystery Spinner

He could be the key figure in the XI if the pitch in Dubai is providing turn. And how easily he would deceive batters using variations and flight makes him a very good option.

2. Axar Patel – The All-Rounder Option

India can go for Axar Patel since an extra batting cushion along with spin bowling is always welcome. He can control the game with his bowling and also score vital runs later down the order.

3. Ravindra Jadeja – India’s Spin Maestro

Even though Jadeja is already part of the XI, he might assume a lead spinner’s role if India decides to play three spinners in the match.

Darren Gough’s Champions Trophy 2025 Predictions

Apart from proposing tweaks to India’s lineup, Darren Gough went on to make some very bold predictions for the Champions Trophy 2025.

He backed India to win the tournament, stating there is not a single weakness in their batting lineup and their overall team balance is better than other teams.

“India looks solid. If I were to pick a winner, I’d say India. They have a balanced squad with no visible weaknesses.”

Gough also predicted that South Africa and Afghanistan would join India and New Zealand as the four semi-finalists.

“India and New Zealand have qualified. South Africa, I think, would definitely go through. I tipped Afghanistan, and they’ve got to win now. I think they have an upset in them.”

With their place in the semi-final having been assured, India may potentially approach the New Zealand game with a degree of experimentation to their lineup. If Mohammed Shami is rested, options such as Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, or even an extra pacer would fit right into the side.

Will India gamble there and rotate their squad, or will they stick to their strongest XI? A lot of eyes are set on the playing XI announcement on match day, April 2!