Champions Trophy: Gambhir downplays hype surrounding Pakistan-India clash

Indian cricket team's head coach Gautam Gambhir has downplayed the hype surrounding the highly-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan scheduled to be played in Dubai on February 23 in the upcoming ICC Men'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 said on Saturday.

The coach also underlined the role of captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Champions Trophy saying that the duo has much to offer the team despite their below-par performances in recent matches, stressing the veteran batters will play a key part in the event. 

Rohit and star batter Kohli were both part of the test team that suffered a 3-0 series sweep at home by New Zealand followed by a 3-1 hammering in Australia which ended their decade-long hold on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Following the defeat to Australia, both players returned to domestic cricket in a bid to rediscover their best form.

"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 told 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 in the Champions Trophy and meet Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, before taking on defending champions and rivals Pakistan and ending their group campaign against 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 said.

"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.