KL Rahul has downplayed India’s injury concerns ahead of their final Champions Trophy group game against New Zealand in Dubai. He indicated that Mohammed Shami and Rohit Sharma are fit despite minor niggles. Shami had experienced shin discomfort against Pakistan, while Rohit had shown signs of a hamstring issue. However, Rahul assured that both players were training and expected to be available.
India and New Zealand have already secured semi-final spots, with India set to play on March 4, just two days after their last group match. When asked if India would rest players, Rahul said it was up to the leadership group. He noted that while the short turnaround might tempt them to rotate players, the team could also benefit from keeping everyone match-ready.
Rahul also addressed his competition with Rishabh Pant for the wicketkeeper’s role. He acknowledged the pressure but emphasized that he focuses on playing his natural game rather than trying to match Pant’s aggressive style. He believes both players bring unique strengths to the team.
Speaking about the Dubai pitch, Rahul noted its slow nature, making strike rotation difficult for new batters. He emphasized the importance of set batters staying longer to provide extra runs. He credited India’s preparation, which included training on similar surfaces.
Rahul also praised Shami’s accuracy, a quality often overlooked amid discussions about his seam position and swing. He recalled Shami’s pace and unpredictability, even mentioning a net session where he was struck on the helmet. Rahul expressed confidence that Shami was returning to his best form, which would be crucial for India moving forward.
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