India cricket team’s Shubman Gill can potentially make his ODI captaincy debut in the Champions Trophy clash against New Zealand, as per reports. The Indian vice-captain could fill in for Rohit Sharma, who can afford to miss the tie against NZ due to a hamstring injury scare. On Wednesday, the Hitman watched the team practice from the sidelines, with reports claiming that he was perhaps cautious about his hamstring injury.
Gill to make debut as India’s ODI captain?
As per The Indian Express, Gill can make his ODI captaincy debut in Dubai in India’s final Champions Trophy group stage fixture. Rohit can afford to sit out of the clash against New Zealand as the contest is inconsequential, given that India have already qualified for the semis. It would also be in the better interest for the Indian team as the captain wouldn’t want to aggravate his injury before the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Gill – who missed practice on Wednesday as he was unwell – returned to the nets on Thursday and spent a long time batting in the nets.
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Pant to replace Rohit?
If Rohit Sharma opts to sit out of the IND vs NZ tie, then Rishabh Pant could replace him in the side. The southpaw is yet to get a game in the ongoing Champions Trophy. He was unavailable for the game against Pakistan due to a fever. However, he has recovered and spent a long time batting in the nets on Wednesday and Thursday. With KL Rahul being the first-choice keeper, Pant’s only way to enter the playing XI is by replacing a player.
Meanwhile, India also have the option of fielding Washington Sundar in the playing XI. Sundar’s addition would surely boost the all-round and spin unit.
Nevertheless, India have the opportunity to test their bench strength against New Zealand in the final group stage fixture. It remains to be seen what combination would the team go with.
