Rohit Sharma (L). | (Credits: BCCI X)
Team India skipper Rohit Sharma’s wife Ritika Sajdeh wore a worried look as the right-handed batter was seen coughing early on his innings during the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. A few members of the support staff had to be out to attend to Rohit as he looked quite uncomfortable.
The incident occurred in the fourth over of the innings which was bowled by right-arm pacer Will O-Rourke. With the 37-year-old standing at the non-striker’s end started feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden and a few support staff members were out. However, the veteran batter was up and about after taking in some liquids.
Although the right-handed batter started the innings with a brisk 41 against Bangladesh, he hasn’t been at his best in the following three games against Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia. Nevertheless, he has already completed his half-century and could be on for a massive match-winning hundred.
“This is a gettable score” – Varun Chakravarthy after India restrict New Zealand to 251
Wrist-spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who took two vital wickets, explained his approach in the first innings, claiming that all he did was keeping it simple and wait for the batters to make mistakes. The 33-year-old told the host broadcaster:
“It was a good wicket compared to the last one. It was not turning much. I was just trying to stick it in the wicket and wait for the batter to make a mistake. I like bowling in the death and powerplay. It is challenging and gives me more opportunity to get a wicket. I like talking to Kuldeep. I am pretty new to the setup and looking to build more bonds. The foot is a little sore, need more painkillers. This is a gettable score.”
Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (58) scored half-centuries to propel the Black Caps to a competitive score. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers with figures of 10-0-40-2.
