India vs New Zealand: Shubman Gill dismisses unavailability rumors, attends private net session

India has enjoyed a sublime run so far at the ICC Champions Trophy, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the marquee event. While the team is in fine form, the standout performer in the format has been vice-captain Shubman Gill. After scoring a century against England ahead of the tournament, Gill carried his momentum into Dubai, delivering a stellar performance in India’s opener against Bangladesh. The clash saw the Indian opener notch yet another three-figure score. Now ranked as the No. 1 ODI batter in the ICC rankings, Gill remains a pivotal figure for India as they prepare to take on New Zealand in their final group-stage match.

Shubman Gill attends private net session after missing team net session ahead of India vs New Zealand

Shubman Gill, however, briefly fueled concerns about his availability for the team’s final group-stage clash against New Zealand. The Indian vice-captain skipped Wednesday’s training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai. However, Gill quickly dispelled any doubts by reportedly utilizing his rest day to attend a private net session on Thursday.

Smiles 🔛
Energy levels high 😎

Raw 🔊 moments from #TeamIndia's training session ahead of the match against New Zealand 👌👌

WATCH 🎥🔽 #ChampionsTrophy | #INDvNZhttps://t.co/zH6nwdzah4

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 27, 2025

As per a report, the two-time champions were given a day off on Thursday following their first official training session since last week’s victory over Pakistan. Yet, Gill opted to sharpen his skills ahead of the crucial match, engaging in an "informal training session" at the ICC Academy. While the report did not confirm if any teammates joined him, it mentioned that he was accompanied by throwdown specialists and a few support staff members.

"Shubman Gill trained with members of the support staff for an informal session. Since it wasn't an official training day, it looks like a personal session. But it wasn't a marathon one and took place in the afternoon hours," a well placed source close to the proceedings informed.

After his opening spectacle against Banglades, the 25-year-old batter further cemented his form with a composed 46 off 52 balls against Pakistan last Sunday. When the Indian squad gathered for training on Wednesday, Gill was the only absentee, raising immediate injury concerns ahead of the showdown with New Zealand, who lead Group A after victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan. However, the report stated that Gill is expected to rejoin team training on Friday, their final session before facing the Black Caps. Meanwhile, all eyes are also on captain Rohit Sharma, who refrained from strenuous activity during Wednesday’s session, opting instead for light jogging. Reports suggest that he sustained a minor hamstring issue during the Pakistan match.