India cricket team can potentially make a few changes to their playing XI for their final Champions Trophy group stage clash against New Zealand on Sunday. Rohit Sharma and co. have already qualified for the semis after beating both Pakistan and Bangladesh. With the contest against the Kiwis inconsequential, the Men in Blue can afford to make few changes to their line-up.
Predicted India XI vs New Zealand
1. KL Rahul
2. Shubman Gill (C)
3. Virat Kohli
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. Rishabh Pant (WK)
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Axar Patel
8. Ravindra Jadeja / Washington Sundar
9. Harshit Rana
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Kuldeep Yadav
On the bench: Rohit Sharma, Shami, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy
Rohit Sharma to be rested?
The Indian captain could be rested for the game against New Zealand. Rohit picked up a hamstring injury during the game against Pakistan. Although the Indian camp has clarified that Sharma is alright, he would probably want to remain cautious and not take any risks before the knockout stages. If the Hitman is rested, then KL Rahul will return to the top-order to open the innings with Shubman Gill. In Rohit’s absence, Gill will lead the team.
This will automatically pave way for Rishabh Pant’s inclusion in the playing XI. The southpaw is yet to get a game in the ongoing Champions Trophy. With Pant’s inclusion, India will get a left-hander boost.
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Shami out, Arshdeep in
Another change that India could make is to rest Shami for the clash against NZ. The pacer, who returned to international cricket after 14 months, suffered an injury scare in the game against Pakistan. However, like they did for Rohit, the Indian camp has clarified that there are no injury concerns for Shami. However, given that he will play a crucial role in the semi-final, India can afford to bench him. Instead, left-handed pacer Arshdeep Singh can be included in the playing XI to partner with Harshit Rana. Like Pant, Singh is yet to get a game in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
Strong spin unit to remain intact
India’s strength, apart from batting, has undoubtedly been their spin unit. While Axar and Kuldeep are expected to retain their spots in the playing XI, India can deliberate on resting Jadeja. In his place, they can play Washington Sundar, who will act as a like for like replacement for the veteran all-rounder. The Men in Blue also have the option of fielding Varun Chakravarthy. But that woud mean they would be one batter short.
