Shubman Gill asserts that India is “completely ready” to clinch the 2025 Champions Trophy.
DUBAI: India’s vice-captain, Shubman Gill, believes that the team best at handling pressure will claim victory in the ICC Champions Trophy final.
Speaking at a pre-final press conference at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, Gill acknowledged the lessons from their World Cup final defeat at home, emphasizing, “We fell short in the World Cup final in India, but this time, we are fully prepared to win the tournament.”
He praised the positive atmosphere within the squad, stating, “The team spirit is excellent, and every player is committed to delivering their best performance.”
Addressing the challenges of high-stakes matches, Gill remarked, “It’s easy to say there’s no pressure, but in reality, every player feels it. However, experienced players know how to manage it effectively.”
Reflecting on the semi-final against Australia, he admitted that while the Australian bowling attack wasn’t particularly intimidating, India lost wickets due to the pressure of the occasion.
Currently ranked as the world’s top batsman, Gill highlighted the importance of adapting to match situations, explaining, “Our goal is always to play according to the demands of the game. As a batsman, I focus on playing the right shots at the right time.”
Confident in India’s batting strength, he asserted, “Right now, we have the strongest batting lineup in the world. Every player understands their role, and our priority is to execute the team’s strategy flawlessly.”
India is set to face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday in Dubai, a match that could mark the final ODI appearances for veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Kohli, 36, and captain Rohit, 37, entered the 50-over tournament amid speculation about their future in the format, especially after stepping away from T20 internationals following India’s World Cup triumph last year. With the next ODI World Cup scheduled for 2027, this final could be their last outing in the format.
India enters the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as firm favorites, riding high on confidence. They have been dominant in the eight-nation tournament, winning all four of their matches, including a 44-run victory over New Zealand in the group stage, though both teams had already secured semi-final spots at the time.
Rohit’s squad has played all their matches in Dubai, having declined to travel to Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan due to political tensions.
Chasing a record third Champions Trophy title, India also boasts a formidable spin attack. They deployed four spinners in their group-stage win against New Zealand, with Varun Chakravarthy starring with figures of 5-42 to help dismiss the Black Caps for 205 while chasing 250.
India fielded the same XI against Australia, with their spin-heavy approach proving effective again, albeit on a slightly less spin-friendly Dubai pitch.
