Vice-captain Shubman Gill said that star wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is suffering from a viral fever, raising concerns about his availability for the important game. The Indian cricket team faces a setback just before their biggest rivalry clash against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Bad News for India! Shubman Gill Says Star Player is Sick Before Pakistan Match

India’s preparations are going well but Pant skipped the team’s practice session at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With the crucial Group A match set against India for Sunday, February 23, the team is hoping he recovers quickly.

🚨 𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑶𝑹𝑻𝑺 🚨

Rishabh Pant misses today’s training session due to a viral fever in Dubai 🇮🇳👀#PAKvIND #ODIs #RishabhPant #ChampionsTrophy #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/6KceiPs3MA

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 22, 2025

Speaking to the media, Gill said, “Rishabh has a viral fever, which is why he didn’t practice today. The team is keeping an eye on him, and we hope he gets better before the match.”

ALSO READ: Watch : Pakistan played Indian national anthem during Australia vs England match

Pant’s absence could hurt India’s batting lineup and wicketkeeping options. Pant has been in great form since his return to international cricket and has played key innings in recent games. His attacking batting makes him a vital player, especially in high-pressure games.

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most exciting in cricket, and every player’s availability matters in that game. With Pant’s health still uncertain, fans and team management will be hoping for good news. For now, all attention is on Pant’s recovery, and India is hoping that their explosive wicketkeeper-batter can be fit in time for the biggest rivalry in Dubai.

Champions Trophy is just two days away and every team is gearing up for this biggest event. Last time Champions Pakistan are going to host the tournament. India are going to play all their matches in UAE stating the security concerns. India have reached UAE recently. 

India have started their practice sessions in UAE where every player is keen and dedicated. Despite quite big blows before Champions Trophy, Indian team core looks quite managable and the bench strength they possess is quite remarkable one. 

 Rishabh Pant Faces Injury Scare

Team India have reached Dubai and as soon as they landed they had started their practice session without wasting their time off. India are in the A group of Champions Trophy and this Thursday (20thFebruary) they are going to face Bangladesh in their opening encounter in Dubai International Stadium. 

Read More : Biggest Rivalary Between Chennai And Mumbai commences On 23 March

During practice session every player were practicing according to their role given. In this huge news erupted that Rishabh Pant got struck into his left knee. This happened during the practice session where Hardik Pandaya was batting he played a shot which struck to Rishabh Pant left knee and was seen enduring huge pain, Captain Rohit Sharma seem to consoling him. 

 It is depicted that it was the same knee where he got with a major car accident, immediate ice packing was given still he was in pain and seen limping around. This may coincide as big blow because Pant posses the fire power which India requires down the order. Even KL Rahul is selected as backup for wicket keeping option. 

Indian Team Injury Concerns

Already team India have lost their main players ahead of Champions Trophy. India's pace bowling sensiation Jasprit Bumrah has been out from the team due to back problem which caused during Bgt series. This is big blow for India where their leader of bowling pack is missing the tournament. 

Though another good news is that Mohammad Shami is back into the side who is forbidden looking fit and fine. Shami participated in the final ODi between India and England which India whitewashed England completely. Other players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul were also seen in good touch in that series. Captain Rohit Sharma would have gained lot of confidence with his knock of 119 which he hit against England in second ODI. 

Virat Kohli too showed his glimse of come back in third odi with his vital 50. But the major concern is Rishabh Pant latest injury because India can't lose another big armour before the match against Bangladesh on 20th February. 

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, said that  KL Rahul is the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Even though Rishabh Pant is in the squad, Gambhir explained that Rahul’s steady performances have secured his place, meaning Pant will have to wait for his turn. Gambhir said, “KL is our No. 1 wicketkeeper right now. Rishabh Pant will get his chance, but at the moment, KL has performed well, and we can’t play two wicketkeeper-batters.”  

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir confirms that KL Rahul is the first-choice wicketkeeper for Team India for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 🇮🇳🧤🗣️#GautamGambhir #KLRahul #ODIs #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/yNWLwfZoDZ

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 12, 2025

Rahul was India’s wicketkeeper in the three match ODI series against England. He struggled with the bat in the first two games, scoring only 2 and 10. However, he played very well in the third match, scoring a quick 40 off 29 balls, helping India for a big total of 356. He was also sharp behind the stumps, taking three catches and completing two stumpings.  

ALSO READ: KKR announces historic Trophy Tour, visiting nine cities before IPL 2025

Rahul(consistent wicketkeeper-batter), performing well in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He scored 452 runs at an average of 75.33, including a crucial  97 against Australia. His solid performances have strengthened his position in the team.  On the other side, Rishabh Pant is still waiting for his chance. After recovering from a long injury break, he has played just one ODI, scoring six runs against Sri Lanka. While he is known for his aggressive batting, the team management prefers Rahul’s reliability.   

Gambhir said that, “We don’t just look at stats; we look at who can perform when it matters.” This shows that the team is focused on choosing players based on match situations rather than just numbers. Gambhir’s support for Rahul means Pant will have to wait for his opportunity. The competition for the wicketkeeper spot is intense, but for now, KL Rahul remains India’s first choice.

The last round of the group stage of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 is around the corner. While the final round of the league stage will begin on Thursday (January 30), we have some important reports on the availabilities of the national team players. Here, we are going through these reports. 

Virat Kohli is set for Ranji Trophy return

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is set to serve for Delhi. It will be his first match in the Ranji Trophy in the last 12 years. He last played a Ranji Trophy match in November 2012 against Uttar Pradesh. Kohli is set to train with the Delhi team from Tuesday (January 28).

See Also: Top 5 highest run-scorers in the Ranji Trophy history

KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja are also likely to play

KL Rahul is set to serve for Karnataka, who will face the Elite Group C table-toppers Haryana. He last played a Ranji Trophy match in February 2020. On the other hand, the Hyderabad pacer Mohammed Siraj is set to return to the Ranji Trophy. 

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who just returned to the Ranji Trophy to play against Delhi and won the Player of the Match award after picking up 12 wickets, will continue his service for Saurashtra. 

Rishabh Pant and Mumbai stars are likely to miss

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant, who served for Delhi in their last Ranji Trophy round match against Saurashtra, is unlikely to play the last round.

Indian Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, who just returned to the Ranji Trophy almost a decade later, will miss out on the forthcoming last round of the group stage along with the Mumbai and national teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. 

Centurion Shubman Gill likely to unavailable

Punjab cricketer Shubman Gill, the vice-captain of the Indian ODI team, is also reportedly unavailable for the last round of the group stage in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The right-handed batter scored a century (102) against Karnataka in the latest Ranji Trophy round, where Punjab suffered an innings defeat despite Gill's heroic century.

Ravindra Jadeja made a strong comeback to the Ranji Trophy in the 2024-25 season. Playing for Saurashtra against Delhi, he took a total of 12 wickets in the match. In the first innings, he took 5 wickets, and in the second innings, he took 7 wickets. This performance was similar to his 2023 Ranji Trophy comeback match against Tamil Nadu, where he also took 7 wickets.

Sir Ravindra Jadeja Show Vs Delhi 🔥🚀

5/66 & 38(34) in 1st innings.
- 7/38 in 2nd innings.
- 12 Wickets in the match.

What a match Winning performance from Sir Jadeja 🚀🔥🙌
.
.#ravindrajadeja #ranjitrophy #explorepage #explorecricket #cricketexplorer #cricketnews… pic.twitter.com/ZZM9nHUIh0

— Cricket Gyan (@cricketgyann) January 24, 2025

Delhi won the toss and chose to bat, but they only managed to score 188 runs. Ayush Badoni was the top scorer with 60 runs. Ravindra Jadeja took 5 wickets, including Badoni's dismissal.

In reply, Saurashtra scored 271 runs, with Jadeja contributing 38 runs off 36 balls.

In Delhi's second innings, Jadeja's brilliant bowling took 7 wickets, all out them for just 94 runs. Badoni looked good again with 44 runs but was dismissed by Jadeja once again.

Chasing just 12 runs, Saurashtra reached the target in the fourth over without losing a wicket, winning the match dominantly by 10 wickets.

Also Read: Major Change in England's Playing XI for 2nd T20 Against India at Chepauk

In this match, Rishabh Pant also made his comeback to the Delhi Ranji team. However, he struggled in both innings. In the first innings, he was out for just 1 run after facing 10 balls. In the second innings, he looked better, scoring 17 runs off 26 balls, including one four, but was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.

In another match of the Ranji Trophy between Mumbai and Jammu & Kashmir, Mumbai’s side includes several Indian superstars like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer. However, they struggled to manage big scores.

Also Read: Suresh Raina Calls Shubman Gill the Next Virat Kohli and Says About Rohit Sharma, 'I Hope He Will...'"

In Mumbai's first innings, Rohit Sharma scored 3 runs, Yashasvi Jaiswal made 4 runs, and Shreyas Iyer contributed 11 runs. In the second innings, Rohit Sharma scored 28, Jaiswal made 26, and Shreyas Iyer added 17.

In the Karnataka vs Punjab match at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, Shubman Gill was out for just 4 runs in the first innings. In the second innings, he was not out on 7 runs off 36 balls at stumps on Day 2.

In this leg of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, Indian star players are struggling to find their rhythm as they prepare for the upcoming big international event, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These players are an important part of the squad, and their performances in the Ranji Trophy are crucial for getting into form ahead of the tournament.

Rishabh Pant: An Emotion for Fans as Devotee Touches His Feet in Rajkot

Rishabh Pant, the amazing wicketkeeper-batter, has a lot of fans unfocused. In a recent game in Rajkot during the Ranji Trophy, a fan was unfathomably emotional  just to touch Pant's feet. This shows how much people really look up to him. The fan's action was of major importance because it shows how much impact Pant has, not only in the game but also with the individuals or fans who watch it.

Pant is coming back to play after being hurt for a long time, and everyone is pretty excited. His story of not giving up and always pushing himself is something a lot of people find really inspiring. A moment in Rajkot really showed how much Pant means to people who love cricket and how they feel a strong connection with him. Pant is well famous for not being scared to take risks and for playing an amazing innings that have won games.

Because of this, he has a special location in the hearts of those who follow Indian cricket. Mr. Pant's looked at as one of the great players nowadays, and his return to playing in domestic cricket is something his fans are keeping a close eye on. When Pant reacted to the fan in Rajkot by smiling and giving him hug, before the security people showed up, it was a clear sign of how cricket is more than just a game in India.

ALSO READ: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Shardul Thakur Saves Mumbai as Rohit, Jaiswal, Iyer, and Rahane Fail Against J&K

A fan touched the feet of Rishabh Pant at Rajkot during Ranji Trophy ♥️

- Pant, an emotion for fans. [Amlesh] pic.twitter.com/Xb2eNQIlPv

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 23, 2025

For a lot of people, cricketers are like heroes. Almost inevitably, Pant's hard work to get back into shape and play again has grasped people's attention. His dedication and constant effort to be the best or in a very basic essence, to improve, has been recognized by everyone. As he starts to play again in the Ranji Trophy, people can't wait to see him swing the bat with strength and be very good as a keeper, which was done by focusing on his recovery and training, using new ideas.

As the Ranji Trophy moves forward, it is certainly obvious that Rishabh Pant isn't only any cricketer, he's an emotion that brings together a lot of fans with hope, excitement, and respect. Pant is having the plan to make a major comeback to the Indian national team, and these moments really excite him to keep challenging limits. The massive support from fans just makes him even more determined to get in great shape and wear the Indian jersey again.

Rishabh Pant Credits Rohit Sharma for Shaping His Leadership Philosophy Ahead of IPL 2025

Rishabh Pant, the new captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), recognizes Rohit Sharma the important man leading India for showing him how to look after his team and trust them. This call is special because, even though Pant began his cricket under Virat Kohli in 2017 and has played with  captains such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, it's Rohit's guidance that's truly led him into the exciting world of what it means to be a good leader.

Pant's taking over as LSG's captain is of major importance  they are relying on him to do an excellent job both as a fearless hitter and a leader who knows his material. The individual's just 25 years old and already cost them ₹27 crore, so they're expecting him to shoot straight and deliver. In an exchange recently, Pant was reflective about how he's gotten better at leading, saying it's not only the important people who've taught him, but also the seasoned players teaching him how things work.

Rishabh Pant on the qualities of Rohit Sharma as a captain. 🫡❤️pic.twitter.com/0g3ik3EhMu

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 20, 2025

Yes, I've learned from a lot of captains and many senior players because I believe leadership lessons are not confined to captains alone. There's so much to gain from experienced players and the manner they approach the evolving skill, Pant said, diving into how it's not only the major names, but also the lessons from the field, that count. But it was Rohit Sharma who really added the enhancements to how he thinks about making his team feel valued and believed in. Pant was saying, With Rohit bhai, I've learned how to care for a player, and that resonates with my own philosophy as a captain, pointing out that a little faith can push a player to do amazing things for the team.

ALSO READ: ECL 2025: Full Squad List for the Entertainers Cricket League

Captain. Rishabh. Pant.

That’s the tweet🔥 pic.twitter.com/3NdCc00l5D

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) January 20, 2025

Mister Pant wants his team to keep going, even when it's tough, because that never-quit way of thinking is what he believes will make LSG stand out. It is noticeably about giving that extra bit for the team and building from the ground up, a sensation where everyone's pushing the limits for each other. And in the final analysis, having Zaheer Khan, a cricket legend, by his side as a mentor for LSG is going to be very important.

Khan's been through it all and having him to lean on is going to help Pant handle the pressure of leading a team in such a strikingly large competition. similar to Pant's approach while captain of the Delhi Capitals, he's bringing that same energy to LSG. Conceptually, Pant's plan of action is to become acquainted and build a group that's not simply talented but tough and ready to face whatever the 2025 IPL season sets forward. With trust, a strong fighting spirit, and leadership that focuses on bringing out the best in each player, LSG's looking to leave a mark under Pant's leadership.world of IPL cricket.

Rishabh Pant: A Future IPL Captaincy Great?

cricket fans known about Rishabh Pant and his journey to becoming a top captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sanjiv Goenka, who owns the Lucknow Super Giants, challenged everyone, predicting that Pant's name is going to move to the highest part of the list of the IPL's most successful captains right up there with legends such as Mahi and Rohit.

That's a very loud yell. Goenka didn't only stop there. Mister Goenka doubled down, calling Pant a born leader and even said that Pant might (simply) be the best captain the IPL will ever see. That's a lot of excitement, but Pant doesn't just talk. Mister Pant's already been leading at Delhi Capitals, surging in popularity with how he leads  calm but instinctive, aggressive yet sharp and informed.

Sanjiv Goenka said, "people now say 'Mahi, Rohit' in IPL's most successful captains list. Mark my words, after 10-12 years it'll be 'Mahi, Rohit and Rishabh Pant'".

Sanjiv Goenka said, "I see a born leader in Rishabh Pant. From my point of view, he will probably be the best captain IPL has ever seen".

ALSO READ: LSG Captaincy: Rishabh Pant Takes the charge for IPL 2025

Players who play with him and those who thoroughly understand their cricket are all nodding along, saying Pant's greatness and captiancy skills. And now, with the LSG officially making Pant their captain, it's clearly everything's coming full circle for him. This is his major chance to prove such deep captaincy focus isn't simply empty talk. Mister Pant's faced down tough times, such as that abominable injury that could've ended things for him. But he bounced back, and now he's ready to impress this new team with his eager way of leading. Suddenly, we circle fully back to Goenka's important note the Pant ending up on the IPL's captaincy Mount Rushmore in 10-12 years. If Pant keeps on the path he's on, turning setbacks into comebacks, and leading his team as if he's born to do it, who's to say it won't happen?

Rishabh Pant is trying to be a good team captain because he's positive, makes decisions fast, and can make his team excited and ready. Mister Pant is still learning and getting better, and in the end, you would find that he might be just as legendary as major names such as MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Now that another season of IPL is coming up, everyone's looking to see if Pant can really turn all the high hopes people have for him into actual wins. Some people think he might become one of the major stars of IPL captaincy soon. Today, everyone's just watching Pant to see if he'll be one of the great captian in cricket history,among the greats.

Rishabh Pant Named Lucknow Super Giants Captain for IPL 2025

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) announced on January 20, by their owner, Sanjiv Goenka, that Rishabh Pant is going to be their captain for the IPL in 2025. A 27 year old individual has previously shown his skills as a leader with the Delhi Capitals during the 2021, 2022, and 2024 seasons. Now, it is his turn to lead LSG, making him the fourth captain after KL Rahul, Krunal Pandya, and Nicholas Pooran.

Pant's got a history of 43 matches as captain with the Capitals, winning 24 of them. Even though he's not in India's T20 team today, his amazing performance in the 2024 IPL obtaining 446 runs with an good strike rate of 155.40 definitely grasped LSG's attention. In great contrast to not being in the T20 mix for India, Pant was chosen by LSG for a strikingly large Rs 27 crore during the IPL 2025 player mega auction that's a major cash showing they're placing a lot of trust in him. Goenka was very positive, saying the team's strategy centered around Pant, believing in time Pant will prove to be a top notch pick, both pricy and skilled in the IPL . Pant himself seemed very glad about being chosen captain. Mr. Pant was very grateful for the kind words and was excited to get started with the team. It seems the conversations with the team have been solid, making him feel right at home.

The group Pant's leading isn't short of experienced players either. People like Aiden Markram from South Africa and Mitchell Marsh from Australia, plus weighty hitters Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, and Ayush Badoni are all part of the mix. With this crew, Pant is in a good spot to make a major impact in the game, supported by a solid team with plenty of leadership knowledge.

ALSO READ: “A Knock to Remember” – Shreyas Iyer Picks His Best Innings from the 2023 ODI World Cup

🚨 𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 🚨

Lucknow Super Giants have named Rishabh Pant as their new captain! 🧢

Pant shattered records in the IPL 2025 mega-auction with a staggering ₹27 CR bid, making him the most expensive player in IPL history 💰

Can the dynamic Indian keeper-batter guide LSG… pic.twitter.com/pEvvfff9Rj

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) January 20, 2025

Here, in this state of affairs, fully, with Pant at the helm for LSG, and surrounded by a strong team, it's going to be exciting to see how the 2025 IPL season unfolds for them. LSG became added as one of the new teams in the IPL in 2022, and they've actually been doing quite good, getting to the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023. Even though they've got some top rate players in their starting team, some fans are worried they might not have enough good players sitting on the bench.

But, with a person like Pant leading the team, and several impressive players ready to go, LSG is all set on fixing what didn't work before and trying very hard to win their first IPL trophy in 2025. Pant is not only simply about being the head of the team and his batting is something else and might (simply) be what LSG needs to finally get ahead. After coming back from a nasty car crash in December 2022, he's been playing amazingly in the 2024 IPL, showing everyone he's still got it, and might even get back into playing for the country again. A careful examination reveals that having Pant in charge is a major move for the Lucknow Super Giants because they're looking to be unstoppable with him as their top notch and aggressive captain in 2025 throughout the season.

After all the rumors, it was confirmed and reports came that Virat Kohli is ready to play domestic cricket for the first time since 2012. He will participate in the upcoming Delhi matches in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Virat Kohli's name has been added to Delhi's probable squad which will play against Saurashtra on 23 January.

But there is still doubt about his participation because Virat Kohli suffers from a neck sprain, due to this, he had to take an injection.

And it raises doubt whether he will be available for the next Rajkot clash or not. 

DDCA is likely to name him in the squad, subject to availability 

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has reported that they have not received any update on Virat Kohli’s condition. 

Regardless of how he (Virat Kohli) is likely to be included in Delhi’s squad with the subject to availability.

According to the source, “Virat Kohli had a neck sprain and even took an injection for the same. There is a possibility of him skipping the first of the two Ranji Trophy games left, and a clear picture could come if the DDCA selectors are given an update.”

DDCA optimistic on Rishabh Pant’s’ playing both games 

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability to play Delhi’s next Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra. 

On the other hand, DDCA wants him to play in the final Ranji Trophy 2024-25 game at home.

Also Read: BCCI's New Discipline Code: Key Guidelines for Indian Cricketers

Virat Kohli is likely to train with the squad in Rajkot 

His participation in Delhi’s Ranji against Saurashtra remains uncertain due to a neck sprain, but he will be added to the squad and train with them in Rajkot on the 21st and 22nd of January ahead of the Saurashtra clash in the Ranji “subject to availability”.