WATCH: Mohammed Shami knocks over Virat Kohli’s middle-stump in practice amidst new fitness concerns

Team India will play their final league match of Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday against New Zealand in Dubai. Both sides have already qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament making this game a race for the top spot. Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami reportedly has been under microscope over new fitness concerns. 

Shami was seen bowling at full tilt during practice ahead of the game on Sunday. Virat Kohli who had scored a ton in the previous match was troubled by Shami in the nets. During the course of the session, Kohli was bowled by the 34-year-old as the former India skipper saw his middle-stump being disturbed. 

Check out the video here - 

Hitman on fire! 🥵🔥 Kohli bowled by Shami 😭⚡ #INDvsNZ

pic.twitter.com/40doZ9Se5z

— Over and out (@Over_and_out1) March 1, 2025

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has been under the cloud with his fitness as well. Rohit had felt discomfort in his hamstring in the game against Pakistan last Sunday. It is expected that Rohit may be rested for the match to keep him fresh for the semi-final match. Rishabh Pant could make his way into the team with KL Rahul likely to open. 

KL Rahul gives fitness status of player ahead of game vs New Zealand 

Indian wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul addressed the media on Friday ahead of the final Group A game vs New Zealand. The 32-year-old said, “Fitness-wise, everything seems pretty okay. There are no real concerns about anyone missing, as far as I know. Everyone has been at the gym; everyone has been in training.”

Rahul was asked if any players were to be rested for the game on Sunday, to which he replied, “Luckily, I am not part of the leadership group. I don't have to make that decision. There will be some temptation to try out players who have not gotten a game. But I don't think that will happen in the Champions Trophy because there is just one day's break between the final group-stage game and the semifinal."

When asked to comment on his competition with Rishabh Pant, the veteran star quipped, “He is a very talented player and has shown all of us what he can do, how aggressively he can play, and how quickly he can change the game. So there is always a temptation in the team with the captain and the coach to think if they should play him or play me.”