Rahul gives update on availability of players ahead of New Zealand encounter

Following India’s win over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, which helped them secure a place in the tournament's semi-finals, there were concerns about the fitness of their senior players.

These included skipper Rohit Sharma, who was seen struggling with his hamstring on the field, and senior pacer Mohammed Shami, who had recently returned from a long injury layoff. Both players left the field for a substantial duration of Pakistan’s innings before coming back on.

In a press conference leading up to India’s final group encounter against New Zealand, senior batter KL Rahul provided an update on the duo’s fitness.

“From what I know, everything seems pretty okay,” Rahul told reporters. “There’s no real concern about anyone missing games as far as I know. We’ll probably know more in today’s training. Everyone’s been in the gym, everyone has been in the training as well.

“Little, some concerns, but I don’t think too much.”

Within two days of their final group fixture, India will feature in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy, which will also take place in Dubai. Today's practice sessions saw all India players sweat it out in the nets, including captain Rohit and Shubman Gill, who batted over an hour in the nets. Shami was also seen bowling.

Rahul was further questioned if India, who had already qualified for the semi-finals, would be willing to rest players given the short turnaround between Sunday's game and their semi-final.

While not committing to the approach that the Men in Blue would adopt, the India wicketkeeper showed the other side of the argument to this query.

"Like you said, we have one day's break before the semi-finals, and we've got six days break now. So we'll probably want all of the players to play the game, and get a little bit of time in the middle. But this is my version, we might see something different tomorrow."

Rahul also talked on what made returning pacer Shami a really special performer for India.

"One of the few bowlers for whom the ball really wobbles," Rahul said discussing Shami's special ability. "That's been very challenging (to keep wickets too). He's very accurate as a bowler. That's something that is not talked about often. Everyone talks about how he's so gifted, and how he can get the ball to seam in any condition. And how sharp he is, he can surprise you with his pace."

Shami took a five-for in India'sfirst Champions Trophy encounter against Bangladesh, however, went wicketless in the following encounter. If the pacer gets going against New Zealand on Sunday, India would more than fancy their chances.