New Delhi
There is only 17 days left for the 2025 Champions Trophy to start. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir said that his team is focusing on winning each match in the competition and not only on winning the match against the arch -rivals Pakistan. The Indian cricket team, which won the Champions Trophy in 2002 and 2013, will take on Pakistan in Dubai on 23 February.
On the occasion of the BCCI’s annual award ceremony in Mumbai, Gambhir told Star Sports, “We do not go to the Champions Trophy thinking that the 23rd match is the most important for us. I think five matches, all matches are important. Mission to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy, not just winning a special match. ” He said, “But yes, if it is a match between winning the Champions Trophy, we will try to take it as seriously as possible. The most important thing is that when two countries, India and Pakistan play against each other, obviously the emotions are very high, but in the end it remains a match. ”
India also have to clash against Bangladesh and New Zealand in Dubai on 20 February and 2 March. This match is very important to win the eight teams to enter the tournament knockout. Gambhir also realized that there is little scope for mistake during the Champions Trophy compared to the ODI Cup.
Gambhir said, “The Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge as compared to the 50 -over World Cup because every game is truly decisive, so you cannot stop anywhere in this tournament. Hopefully we will actually start well, because after all, if you want to move forward and win the competition, you will have to win five games. “
Gambhir expressed confidence in performing well for India in the upcoming tournament despite Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s recent poor performance. Ravindra Jadeja with Rohit and Kohli is the only current member of India’s Champions Trophy win in 2013. Gambhir said, “I think both Rohit and Virat are very important in the dressing room. He is also very important in Indian cricket. He has to play a big role (in the Champions Trophy). And I have said before, they are very hungry, they want to play for the country. “