India’s Predicted XI vs New Zealand: Rohit Sharma, Shami are out?

As Team India basked in the glory of a semi-final place already secured, changes were likely to be made to their playing XI Sunday when they met New Zealand in their last Champions Trophy group stage match. Winning the group stage matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh, the encounter against the New Zealand team means nothing in terms of qualification. In this regard, the supervising hands shall get an opportunity to test the bench strength and allow some rest to key members engaging in the knockouts.

Common discussions involved India’s predicted playing XI against New Zealand while making changes in the lineup.

Rohit Sharma to Be Rested?

The Indian captain Rohit Sharma may be rested for this tie due to an injury to his leg he sustained in their previous match against Pakistan. While confirmation from the Indian team management that he is fit, there exists a chance that the side might play safe and rest the player to have him ready for the semi-final encounter.

If Rohit is rested, KL Rahul would be back at the top of the order with Shubman Gill while Rohit Sharma would take over the captaincy in the absence of Sharma. With this combination, India might also slot in Rishabh Pant-who has yet to get a game in the Champions Trophy 2025. He also adds one more left-handed option to bat in the middle order.

Also Read: Not Rohit Sharma! 25-Year-Old Set to Lead India Against New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025?

Shami Out, Arshdeep In?

Another major change could be resting Mohammed Shami for the clash against New Zealand. Shami recently made his international comeback after 14 months and had an injury scare during the Pakistan game. While the team management is not worried about anything, he would need to be monitored with great care as far as workload is concerned going into the knockout stages.

With Shami likely relegated to the bench, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh could be in for a shot at display. Both Pant and Arshdeep have yet to make their appearances in the tournament and can make a useful addition to complement Harshit Rana in India’s pace attack.

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

In the Champions Trophy 2025, India’s spin department has worked wonders for them. With their consistently good performances, it seems like Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will remain in the playing XI.

But to ease his all-round workload, Jadeja may be rested. Washington Sundar can fit in as a like-for-like replacement. While Varun Chakravarthy is also an option, playing him leaves India one batter short, hence Sundar is the more practical choice.

Predicted India XI vs New Zealand

1️⃣ KL Rahul
2️⃣ Shubman Gill (C)
3️⃣ Virat Kohli
4️⃣ Shreyas Iyer
5️⃣ Rishabh Pant (WK)
6️⃣ Hardik Pandya
7️⃣ Axar Patel
8️⃣ Ravindra Jadeja / Washington Sundar
9️⃣ Harshit Rana
🔟 Arshdeep Singh
1️⃣1️⃣ Kuldeep Yadav

🔹 On the Bench: Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy