Gautam Gambhir Minimizes Hype Surrounding Pakistan-India Showdown in Champions Trophy 2025
He acknowledged the high emotions surrounding Pakistan-India encounters but insisted that the real focus should be on the tournament as a whole
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has tried to temper expectations surrounding the Pakistan-India clash in the ICC Champions Trophy, stressing that each match in the tournament carries equal weight.
Speaking at the Indian Cricket Board’s awards ceremony, Gambhir remarked, “We’re approaching the Champions Trophy without singling out the match on February 23 as the most important. Every one of the five matches matters to us. Our goal in Dubai is to secure the Champions Trophy, not just a single victory.”
While he acknowledged the intense emotions tied to Pakistan-India matches, he maintained that the team’s focus should remain on the bigger picture—the tournament itself.
Drawing a comparison with the World Cup, Gambhir noted that the Champions Trophy poses a different kind of challenge where every game is vital.
He also underscored the significance of experienced players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, mentioning that their involvement would bring substantial value to the dressing room and be pivotal throughout the tournament.
