Gautam Gambhir Downplays Hype Around India-Pakistan Clash, Focuses on Champions Trophy Glory

India’s head coach emphasizes winning the tournament, not just one match, as the team gears up for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Mumbai, February 2 – As anticipation builds for the India vs Pakistan showdown at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has played down the significance of the much-awaited clash, stressing that winning the entire tournament is the ultimate goal.

Speaking at the BCCI Annual Awards Night in Mumbai, Gambhir acknowledged the emotional weight of an India-Pakistan encounter but made it clear that every match in the tournament is crucial.

“We do not go to the Champions Trophy thinking that the 23rd is the most important game for us. I think all five games are equally important,” Gambhir told Star Sports, as quoted by the ICC.

“The mission is to win the Champions Trophy, not just one particular game. But yes, if that game is part of the journey, we will take it as seriously as possible.”

High-Stakes Tournament with No Margin for Error

Only eight teams will compete in the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, with India and Pakistan placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand. With only two teams advancing to the knockout stage, every game is a must-win encounter.

Comparing the Champions Trophy to the 50-over Cricket World Cup, Gambhir highlighted the tournament’s cutthroat nature.

“Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge compared to the World Cup because every game is a make-or-break. You cannot afford to slip in this tournament,” Gambhir noted.

“To win the competition, you have to win five games, and that requires full focus from the start.”

Backing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Lead the Charge

India has named a balanced 15-player squad featuring a mix of experienced veterans and young talent. Skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami lead the squad, with Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Arshdeep Singh adding youthful energy.

Gambhir expressed confidence in Rohit and Kohli, the only two surviving members from India’s 2013 Champions Trophy-winning team, to step up once again.

“Rohit and Virat add immense value to the dressing room and Indian cricket. They are hungry, passionate, and determined to deliver for the country,” Gambhir said.

India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad:

🇮🇳 Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.

India’s Group Stage Fixtures:

📅 February 20 – India 🆚 Bangladesh (Dubai)
📅 February 23 – India 🆚 Pakistan (Dubai)
📅 March 2 – India 🆚 New Zealand (Dubai)

With India aiming for their third Champions Trophy title, Gambhir is ensuring the team remains focused on the bigger picture—winning the tournament, not just one high-profile match.