An image from Pakistan’s conflict towards India within the Asia Cup 2023. — AFP/File
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has dismissed the hype across the extremely charged conflict towards arch-rivals and neighbour Pakistan set to be performed in Dubai on February 23 within the upcoming ICC Males’s Champions Trophy 2025.
“We don’t go to the Champions Trophy thinking that February 23 (versus Pakistan) is the most important game for us. I think five games, all the games are important. The mission to go to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy, not only win one particular game,” Gambhir stated on Saturday.
The coach additionally talked about captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli saying that the facility duo has a lot to supply the group regardless of their poor run of type in latest matches, stressing the veteran duo will play a key function within the Champions Trophy.
Rohit and star batter Kohli had been each a part of the take a look at group that suffered a 3-0 sequence sweep at residence by New Zealand adopted by a 3-1 hammering in Australia which ended their decade-long maintain on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“I think both Rohit and Virat, they add so much value to the dressing room. They add so much value to Indian cricket as well. They’ve got to play a massive role (in the Champions Trophy),” Gambhir informed reporters on Saturday.
“And I’ve said it before as well, those guys are so hungry, they want to play for the country. They have the passion to play for the country and deliver for the country,” the coach added.
India are in Group A within the Champions Trophy and meet Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, earlier than taking up defending champions and rivals Pakistan and ending their group marketing campaign towards New Zealand.
“The Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge as compared to the 50-over World Cup because literally every game is a make-or-break, so you can’t stop anywhere in this tournament,” Gambhir stated.
“So hopefully we’re going to start off really well, because ultimately, if you want to go on and win the competition, you have to win five games,” he added.
