In a strategic move during their final Group A match of the Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand, India rested young fast bowler Harshit Rana and included spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the playing XI. Varun, a late addition to the Champions Trophy squad, had not featured in India's previous victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan. With a semi-final berth already secured, the team management opted to test their bench strength.
It was anticipated that senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been managing fitness concerns, would be rested, allowing left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh an opportunity to play. However, India chose a bowling attack comprising four spinners and only one specialist fast bowler in Shami. All-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to share the fast-bowling responsibilities alongside Shami.
Both India and New Zealand entered this match unbeaten, with the outcome determining the top position in Group A. The winner of this encounter will face Australia in the semi-finals, while the runner-up will take on South Africa. citeturn0search1
India's Playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma (captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (wicketkeeper)
- Hardik Pandya
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Shami
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand's Playing XI:
- Rachin Ravindra
- Will Young
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell (in for Devon Conway)
- Tom Latham (wicketkeeper)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (captain)
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- Will O'Rourke
Some fans and analysts expressed disappointment over Arshdeep Singh not being included in this match, considering it a suitable opportunity to provide him with game time ahead of the knockout stages. Additionally, the decision to rest the young pacer Harshit Rana before the semi-finals raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts.
