India's coach, Gautam Gambhir, has firmly stated that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play pivotal roles in the Indian team’s campaign during the upcoming Champions Trophy. He emphasized the importance of their contributions as India aims to secure the prestigious title for the first time since 2013. This statement comes in the wake of concerns over their form, particularly following a challenging tour of Australia where both players struggled. Their struggles led to speculation about their futures in the Indian team. However, Gambhir expressed confidence in their abilities, affirming that both players are fully committed and hungry to prove themselves.
Speaking at the Naman Awards on February 1, Gambhir underscored the intensity of the competition ahead. The former cricketer highlighted that the Champions Trophy will be a very different challenge compared to the 50-over World Cup, where virtually every match feels like a knockout. This urgency makes Kohli and Rohit’s roles even more critical. Gambhir mentioned that the two are extremely motivated, with the hunger to perform and contribute to the team’s success. Their passion to play for India is something that will drive the team throughout the tournament.
“Their role is massive, especially in such a high-stakes tournament,” Gambhir said. “Both players have the passion to play for the country, and they are incredibly hungry to perform. In a tournament like the Champions Trophy, every match is crucial. We cannot afford to slip anywhere. If we want to win the trophy, we need to win five matches, and for that, we need to rely on the strength of our best players—Rohit and Virat. Their experience and hunger will be crucial for India’s success.” Gambhir’s belief in the duo’s ability to rise to the occasion will give both players the confidence they need going into the tournament.
While Kohli and Rohit’s performances are under the spotlight, Gambhir also spoke about the pressure the entire team will face. The coach stated that the players cannot afford to be complacent and must remain sharp throughout the competition. The Champions Trophy will not offer any breathing room, and Gambhir stressed that each match will be a battle in its own right. “This isn’t just about one or two games. It’s about delivering consistently in every match. And that’s where the role of experienced players like Kohli and Rohit becomes so significant,” he added.
Looking ahead to the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter on February 23, Gambhir downplayed the frenzy surrounding the fixture. While the India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the biggest spectacles in international cricket, Gambhir believes that the team’s focus should remain on the bigger picture. He emphasized that the team's mission in the Champions Trophy is to win every match, treating each one as important as the next. He made it clear that while the emotions around the India-Pakistan match would be heightened, the team will not allow that to overshadow their objective of winning the tournament.
“We are not going into the Champions Trophy thinking that the game against Pakistan on the 23rd is the most important. All five matches are vital,” Gambhir said. “We are preparing to win every match in the tournament. If the Pakistan game falls in the middle of that, we will treat it with the same seriousness as any other game. Yes, there will be emotions involved, especially with the India-Pakistan rivalry, but it will still be a contest between bat and ball. We have to approach it as such and not let the hype distract us from our ultimate goal.”
As India gears up for what is expected to be a fiercely competitive tournament, Gambhir’s comments reflect a focused and professional attitude. His emphasis on consistency, mental toughness, and the ability to handle pressure will undoubtedly inspire the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead. With star players like Kohli and Rohit at the helm, India’s quest for Champions Trophy glory will be closely watched by fans around the world, eager to see if the team can finally reclaim the title after a long drought.
