Delhi: The last group match of the Champions Trophy (ICC Champions Trophy 2025) was played between India and New Zealand. Team India defended 249 runs on Dubai’s slow and turn -taking pitch. The spinners bowled tightly. However, Kane Williamson (81 runs) was trying to change the attitude of the match on his own. During this, Rahul’s wicketkeeping created problems for India.
The first opportunity came on the last ball of the 11th over, when Williamson was batting for 18 runs. He played a cut shot off Akshar Patel. The ball took the edge of the bat directly into Rahul’s gloves. However, he could not close his hands on time, causing the ball to fall and Williamson survived.
The second chance was on the last ball of the 35th over. This time the bowler was Ravindra Jadeja. Williamson tried to play inside-out. This time, the ball collided with Rahul’s gloves with the edge of his bat and fell next to it.
After leaving the catch on both occasions, Rohit looked angry and Kohli also became disappointed. Fans on social media demanded Rahul to get out of the team and give Rishabh Pant a chance.
Kl rahul dropped williamson at 17, and now against 68. There’s a reason every team prefeers a regular wicketkeeper, but this management is still fast asleep https://t.co/yt6usclbc6
– sandy (@flamboypant) March 2, 2025
Rishabh pant on every catch kl rahul is dropping #INDVSNZ pic.twitter.com/W0AXMKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK not
– ICT fan (@delphy06) March 2, 2025
Will Rishabh Pant play in the semi -finals?
There were questions about Rohit Sharma’s fitness before the match against New Zealand. There was talk of Pant’s joining the team. However, the team management did not make any changes in the batting lineup.
Rahul scored only 23 runs in 29 balls in this match, which also raised questions on his form. However, it is unlikely that the team will drop them in the semi -finals against Australia.
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