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On Tuesday, March 4, Rohit Sharma-led Team India is taking on Australia in a must-win game of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. While the Men in Blue are coming into the semi-final after three straight wins, which came against Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand respectively, Australia on the other hand, have won only one game with the other two matches ending in a no result.
As the two skippers, Rohit Sharma and Steven Smith took the field for the toss, the Indian skipper was seen wearing black armbands. As confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), this gesture came as a tribute to legendary spinner Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, who breathed last on Monday, March 3.
Team India wears black armbands as tribute to late Padmakar Shivalkar
The legendary face in domestic cricket, Shivalkar was known for his unparalleled skill and dedication to the game. Although he passed away on Monday, March 3, he was a dominant force in Ranji trophy, where he played 124 First-Class matches, claiming impressive 589 wickets at an outstanding average of 19.69. Moreover, he was fondly remembered for his performances, one of which is taking eight for 16 and five for 18 in the 1972-73 final while leading Mumbai to a resounding victory.
India vs Australia CT 2025 semi-final Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
Australia: Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha
