Synopsis
As the 2025 Champions Trophy nears, coach Gautam Gambhir stresses the need for India to focus on winning all matches, not just the one against Pakistan, emphasizing the overall goal of claiming the championship.Key Takeaways
- Focus on winning all matches in the Champions Trophy.
- Every game is crucial for success in the tournament.
- High emotions when facing Pakistan, but the main goal remains the same.
- Limited margin for error compared to ODI World Cup.
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to play key roles.
New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) As the 2025 Champions Trophy approaches in less than two weeks, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized the team's commitment to winning every match in the tournament rather than solely concentrating on the pivotal clash against long-time rivals Pakistan.
India, who have previously claimed the Champions Trophy in 2002 and 2013, are scheduled to face Pakistan in Dubai on February 23. "We don't enter the Champions Trophy with the mindset that the 23rd is our most critical game. Every match holds significance. Our objective in Dubai is to secure the Champions Trophy, not just to win one specific match," Gambhir stated.
He added, "However, if that game happens to fall in the middle of our journey towards winning the Champions Trophy, we will treat it with utmost seriousness. The emotions are naturally heightened when India and Pakistan meet, but in the end, the challenge remains the same," Gambhir shared with Star Sports during the BCCI's annual awards ceremony in Mumbai.
In addition to Pakistan, India will also face Bangladesh and New Zealand on February 20 and March 2 respectively, both of which are vital for progressing to the knockout stage of the eight-team tournament. Gambhir pointed out that the Champions Trophy offers limited room for error compared to an ODI World Cup.
"The Champions Trophy presents a unique challenge in contrast to the 50-over World Cup because every match is essentially a do-or-die situation. Therefore, one cannot afford to let up during this tournament. Starting strong is crucial, as to win the competition, you must triumph in five matches," he remarked.
Gambhir also expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to excel in the upcoming tournament, despite their recent struggles. Both players, along with Ravindra Jadeja, are the only remaining members from India's victorious 2013 Champions Trophy squad.
"Both Rohit and Virat bring immense value to the dressing room and to Indian cricket. They need to play a significant role in the Champions Trophy. They are incredibly motivated and eager to represent the country," Gambhir concluded.
