Team India skipper Rohit Sharma walked off the field during the ongoing match against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma’s deputy, Shubman Gill, took over the captaincy of the Indian national cricket team for the first time in an ICC tournament when the former was off the field.
The Rohit Sharma-led side was asked to bowl first after losing the toss in Dubai on Sunday, February 23. Pakistan made one change, bringing in Imam-ul-Haq to replace Fakhar Zaman, who was ruled out of the tournament. The Indian cricket team stuck with the same playing XI from their first game.
Rohit Sharma Walked Off the Field Due to…
During the Pakistan innings, Rohit Sharma left the field at the Dubai International Stadium due to discomfort caused by the intense heat, as reported by PTI. However, the Indian skipper rejoined the game after some time.
Dubai’s temperature is at 32°C with 41% humidity—higher than during India’s last match against Bangladesh. Commentators also noted the increased heat on Sunday. The temperature is set to drop to around 27°C in the evening, bringing slightly cooler but still warm conditions during India’s batting.
Pakistan Lose Both Openers Cheaply in Champions Trophy Clash
Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq added 37 runs in the first eight overs. However, Hardik Pandya provided the first breakthrough for his team by dismissing Babar, who scored 23, in the ninth over. A run-out from Axar Patel sent Imam back for 10, leaving Pakistan at 47/2 after 9.2 overs.
Despite the early setbacks, skipper Mohammad Rizwan (47*) and Saud Shakeel (50*) helped stabilize the innings, taking Pakistan to 137/2 after 31 overs. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami left the field for 20 minutes due to a shin issue. However, he returned after the 11th over and resumed bowling.
Former England bowler Alex Hartley questioned whether Pakistan had been too slow to accelerate. She said their current approach could lead to a competitive total. Hartley added that India would likely chase down 250 with ease, but a target of 270 could pose a greater challenge.
“Pakistan have definitely steadied the ship. Whether they took too long to up the ante, only time will tell. If they can keep going like this they should be able to put up a decent score,” Alex Hartley said on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
“I feel like India would chase down 250. 270 however, it would definitely ask more questions,” she added.
Pakistan in Must-Win Clash After 60-Run Loss to New Zealand
Pakistan are in a must-win situation after their 60-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match. Another defeat, this time against India, would end the Mohammad Rizwan-led team’s chances. Pakistan are defending the Champions Trophy title they won in 2017 by defeating India.
Rohit Sharma’s side comes into the game with momentum after a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh. A win against Pakistan would secure their place in the semifinals, keeping them on track for their first Champions Trophy triumph since their 2013 victory under MS Dhoni in England.
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