"It's An Injury...": On Rohit Sharma, India Coach's 'He Knows How' Take Ahead Of Champions Trophy Semi-Finals

Ahead of India's crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A clash against New Zealand on Sunday, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate provided an update on Rohit Sharma. Speaking to reporters in Dubai, ten Doeschate assured that Rohit is managing his injury effectively. "He's all right. As you can see, he's batting, and he did a little bit of fielding earlier. It's an injury he's had before, so he knows how to manage it really well, and he's on top of it," he said.

The discussion also shifted to the wicketkeeping duo of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. While Pant has been on the sidelines, ten Doeschate acknowledged the difficulty of team selection at the highest level.

"It's been very hard on Rishabh not playing, but that's the nature of sport at this level. KL's been good. He didn't get many chances, and when you're batting at six or seven, it's difficult to get proper opportunities," he explained.

However, the former Netherlands international highlighted Rahul's contributions in key moments.

"Obviously, the third ODI in India, he did really well, and that knock against Bangladesh proved crucial in the end," he noted.

With India boasting two top-quality wicketkeepers, ten Doeschate emphasised the importance of keeping Pant prepared.

"We've got to keep Rishabh up and running. We never know when we're going to need him, but certainly, having two wicketkeepers of that calibre is a nice thing to have," he concluded.

India's first-choice wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul admitted he feels the pressure of Rishabh Pant breathing down his neck, while waiting for his opportunity. With a player like Pant on the bench, Rahul admitted there is always a "temptation" to play either him or the explosive southpaw.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir