The Indian cricket team is getting ready for its final league game against New Zealand at the ICC Academy in Dubai as the group round of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws to a close. India is making every effort to improve its tactics and retain players in peak form, even if the game is pointless because both sides have already advanced to the semi-finals. Each player has worked on a certain area of their game depending on the difficulties they anticipate facing against New Zealand and in the forthcoming knockout stage during the rigorous and laser-focused training sessions.
Keeping Rohit Sharma Safe: Tactical Discussions & Shadow Batting
One of the biggest concerns in the Indian camp has been the fitness of captain Rohit Sharma, who is battling a minor hamstring ailment. Instead of pushing himself too hard during full-fledged practice sessions, Rohit is being cautious to avoid aggravating the condition before the semi-finals.
Shadow Batting and Insufficient Exercise
Shadow batting, in which batsmen mimic their batting stance, actions, and shots without actually making contact with a bowler, is what Rohit has been doing. He can maintain the rhythm of his strokes while lowering the risk of further strain by using this technique. Batsmen recuperating from minor ailments frequently employ shadow batting as a way to improve footwork and preserve muscle memory without the physical strain of facing live bowling. Additionally, Rohit has replaced more strenuous running and taxing fielding drills with gentle jogging and stretching exercises under the guidance of the team’s physiotherapist. His cautious demeanor suggests that management wants to make sure he is healthy prior to the crucial semifinal match.
Taking Part Tactically from the Sidelines
Despite his lack of net play, Rohit has taken an active part in tactical conversations with the coaching staff and more experienced players. He’s devoted a lot of time to analyzing New Zealand’s bowling attack and talking about ways to neutralize their spin and pace alternatives. Along with significantly assisting in the growth of younger players, Rohit was seen by onlookers engaging in extended discussions with batting coach Vikram Rathour and head coach Rahul Dravid. India’s strategy will greatly benefit from Rohit’s experience creating game plans, especially in light of New Zealand’s tactical bowling adjustments and field placements.
The Virat Kohli Spin Focus
Virat Kohli has been spending more time tackling spin bowlers during training sessions, though. Given that New Zealand boasts talented spinners like Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, Kohli is making sure he works on his footwork and stroke selection when facing slow bowling. During extended net sessions against Ravindra Jadeja and local wrist spinners, Kohli reportedly practised sweep strokes, reverse sweeps, and moving down the track to counter-turn and bounce. His capacity to adapt to spin will be crucial, especially when spinners may be in command.
The team’s general approach to training
The Indian team has been working on specific concentration areas, fielding drills, bowling variations, and death overs batting. Under Rahul Dravid’s leadership, the coaching staff has been ensuring that players maintain their mental and physical acuity prior to the demanding knockout stages. The game against New Zealand may not have an impact on India’s semi-final qualifying, but it does present an opportunity to assess bench strength, refine strategies, and maintain peak performance levels before to the tournament’s crucial phase. Fans will be curious to see how India performs in this match given the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s fitness and Virat Kohli’s form.
“India steps up its preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand. Virat Kohli honed his abilities against spin while Rohit Sharma rested due to injury”.
