New Delhi:
As the Champions Trophy 2025 heats up in Dubai, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has hinted at potential changes in the team’s bowling lineup for their upcoming match against New Zealand. Scheduled for March 2 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, this encounter will be crucial for India as they aim to maintain momentum and top their group. The team has already secured two wins in the tournament, but the challenge now is to balance the need for victory with ensuring key players are fully fit for the semifinals.
Ten Doeschate emphasized the importance of having the best players available for the semifinal match on March 4, while also considering the need to keep them fresh. “We’ve had two pretty tough training sessions, so that’s been the preparation. In terms of the bench strength, I think the priority is making sure that we have our best guys available and fully fit for the second game,” he noted. This balance might involve sharing the bowling workload, potentially bringing in left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh in place of Mohammed Shami, who has been struggling with fitness issues.
Arshdeep, known for his impressive performance in the T20 World Cup last year, could offer a fresh edge to India’s attack. Despite his success in the shorter format, he hasn’t featured in the last two matches, with Harshit Rana taking his place with the new ball. Rana has performed well, picking up wickets against both Bangladesh and Pakistan. However, with Shami’s fitness a concern, Arshdeep’s inclusion could be a strategic move to ensure India’s bowling remains potent ahead of the semifinals.
