Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has downplayed the hype and pressure surrounding India’s upcoming clash with arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy. While acknowledging the intensity of the rivalry, Gambhir stressed that every match in the tournament holds equal significance. He emphasized that the team’s focus is on winning the trophy, not just a single game.
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash will take place on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With both teams placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand, the outcome of this match could be pivotal for both sides’ chances of progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament.
However, Gambhir believes that despite the emotional intensity surrounding India-Pakistan encounters, the focus for the team is to stay on track with their larger goal. “Look, we do not go to the Champions Trophy thinking that the 23rd is the most important game for us. I think all five games are important,” Gambhir told Star Sports at the BCCI awards night in Mumbai. “The mission to go to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy, not just one particular game. But yes, if that is one game in the middle of winning the Champions Trophy, we are going to take it as seriously as possible.”
He also noted that, while emotions run high in matches between India and Pakistan, the fundamental goal remains the same – to win the tournament. “When two countries, India and Pakistan, play against each other, obviously the emotions are really high, but ultimately the contest remains the same,” he added.
With only eight teams competing in this year’s Champions Trophy, India and Pakistan will face stiff competition. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages. Gambhir highlighted the difference between the Champions Trophy and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, underscoring the tournament’s high stakes and minimal margin for error. “The Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge as compared to the 50-over World Cup because literally every game is make-or-break,” he said. “You cannot stop anywhere in this tournament. So hopefully we are going to start off really well because ultimately, if you want to win, you have to win five games.”
India has named a strong 15-player squad for the tournament, with captain Rohit Sharma leading the team alongside key players like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. Young talents Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Arshdeep Singh have also been included.
Gambhir believes that the experienced duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play a crucial role in India’s campaign. Both players are among the three surviving members of India’s victorious Champions Trophy squad from 2013. “Rohit and Virat add so much value to the dressing room and to Indian cricket,” said Gambhir. “They’ve got to play a massive role in the Champions Trophy. These guys are hungry and passionate about playing for the country, and they will deliver when it matters.”
India’s Group Stage Fixtures:
- February 20: India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
- February 23: India vs Pakistan, Dubai
- March 2: India vs New Zealand, Dubai
As India gears up for the prestigious tournament, all eyes will be on their journey to secure a third Champions Trophy title, following their wins in 2002 and 2013.
(With ANI Inputs)