India head coach Gautam Gambhir has downplayed the hype around the high-octane clash against arch-rivals Pakistan during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The neighbouring countries will square off on Sunday, February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Gautam Gambhir discussed the emotional significance of the India-Pakistan match while emphasizing that it is still just another game as their primary objective is to win the Champions Trophy.
“Look, we don’t go to the Champions Trophy [2025] thinking that the 23rd is the most important game for us. I think five games, all the games are important,” Gautam Gambhir said during the annual BCCI awards.
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“The mission to go to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy, not only win one particular game. But yes, if that is one game in the middle of winning the title, we’re going to try and take it as seriously as possible.”
“And more importantly, I think when two countries, India and Pakistan, play against each other, obviously the emotions are really high, but ultimately the contest remains the same.”
Gambhir emphasized the fierce competition in the eight-team tournament, stating that the format leaves little margin for error, making every match crucial for a title challenge.
“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 noted.
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