India vs Pakistan: Ravi Shastri Calls ICC Champions Trophy Clash ‘More Than Just Another Game’

Former India coach admits deep-rooted significance of Indo-Pak rivalry despite Gambhir’s neutral stance

New Delhi, February 6: With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, former India head coach Ravi Shastri weighed in on the India-Pakistan rivalry and addressed head coach Gautam Gambhir’s recent remarks regarding the much-anticipated group-stage encounter.

Gambhir had previously downplayed the significance of the Indo-Pak fixture, stating that all matches in the tournament hold equal importance. However, Shastri offered a contrasting perspective, acknowledging that while such statements are made publicly, the emotions behind the scenes tell a different story.

‘Deep Down, It’s Different’: Shastri on Indo-Pak Clashes

Speaking on The ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan, Shastri revealed that as India’s head coach, he had often echoed Gambhir’s diplomatic stance, but the reality was different.

“I was the coach for seven years. Whenever I was asked, I said the same thing (as Gambhir). But let me assure you, deep down, there’s a lot more to that than you actually think—that’s for the media. You have to say it. But deep down, you want to win that. Because if you don’t, you’ll be reminded of it until the next time you play against Pakistan,” Shastri said, as quoted by ICC’s official website.

He elaborated on the pressure that comes with an India-Pakistan match, explaining how public expectations and intense scrutiny make it different from any other game.

“People don’t care what you have done in the past. They’re not bothered about the last 10 games if you won eight or you won nine. But they’ll remind you if you lose one, until the next time you play them. It can be a taxi driver, it could be anyone on the street—’What happened to India?’ The same question to Pakistan—’What happened to Pakistan?’ So whether you like it or not, it’s a different game. Different beast altogether.”

India and Pakistan Set for February 23 Showdown in Dubai

India and Pakistan have been slotted in Group A of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with their highly anticipated clash scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

The two teams last met at the same venue in an ICC event in 2021, when Pakistan registered a commanding 10-wicket win over India in the T20 World Cup. However, Shastri believes India will not be dwelling on that past defeat.

“No, that won’t play on their mind because that was a T20 game. This is a 50-over clash. It’s totally different. It’s a longer game which suits India more, because in T20 you can get upset,” Shastri explained.

He emphasized that India’s experience and depth give them a significant edge in the 50-over format.

“In 50-over cricket, if you’ve got experience and you’ve got depth in your batting and bowling departments, it makes a massive, massive difference. When you look at India and Pakistan man to man, India is a far better side and far more experienced as well,” Shastri added.

The Build-Up to Another Blockbuster Clash

The India-Pakistan rivalry remains one of the most iconic sporting matchups in cricket history, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. With the Champions Trophy fixture approaching, the anticipation continues to build, and despite Gambhir’s balanced stance, Shastri’s words reaffirm the deep-seated significance of this encounter.