Gambhir backs Kohli & Rohit for Champions Trophy, downplays hype around Pakistan clash
Xtra Time Web Desk: India's head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized the crucial roles Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, stating that both players remain highly motivated to represent the country. While their recent form came under scrutiny during India's tour of Australia, the two stalwarts returned to domestic cricket to regain rhythm ahead of the marquee event.
Speaking at the Naman Awards on February 1, Gambhir highlighted the hunger and passion Kohli and Rohit bring to the squad. He also stressed the intense nature of the Champions Trophy, where every match is a do-or-die situation.
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"They have got to play a massive role. Those guys are so hungry to play for the country. They have the passion to play for the country. The Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge compared to the 50-over World Cup as virtually every game is make or break. Every game is a knockout. You can't slip anywhere in this competition. Hopefully, we can start off very well because if we're to win the trophy, we need to win 5 games. For me, Rohit and Virat add so much value to the dressing room and Indian cricket as well. So both those guys and the rest have to be hungry," Gambhir said.
India is set to face Pakistan on February 23 in one of the most anticipated encounters of the tournament. However, Gambhir dismissed the excessive hype surrounding the fixture, stating that every match is equally important in their mission to win the title.
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"We don't go to the Champions Trophy thinking 23rd is the most important game. All 5 matches are important. Our mission is to go to Dubai to win all the matches, but if that is one game in the middle of winning the Champions Trophy, we're going to take it as seriously as possible. Also, when India and Pakistan play, the emotions will be high, but the contest remains the same. It is between bat and ball. For me, it remains the same," he added.
India will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, aiming to lift the title for the first time since 2013.
