Rohit and Virat have massive role to play in Champions Trophy: Gambhir

The modest form of Kohli and Rohit in recent times has fuelled speculation about their future, but Gambhir did not read too much into it

India head coach Gautam Gambhir placed his faith in batting icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play “massive roles” in the Champions Trophy and said they add “so much value” to the team and the country’s cricketing landscape in general.

The modest form of Kohli and Rohit in recent times has fuelled speculation about their future, but Gambhir did not read too much into it.

“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 said during the BCCI annual awards on Saturday (February 1, 2025).

“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,” he added.

Gambhir said the team cannot relax even for a moment in the Champions Trophy because they have just three league matches, as compared to the 50-over World Cup.

“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.

“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 said.

Gambhir also played down the hype surrounding the India vs Pakistan match, which is scheduled to be played at Dubai on February 23.

“Look, we don't go to the Champions Trophy thinking that the 23rd 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.

“But yes, if that is one game in the middle of winning the Champions Trophy, we're going to try and take it as seriously as possible.

“And more importantly, I think when two countries, India and Pakistan, play against each other, obviously the emotions are really high, but ultimately the contest remains the same.”

The former India opener hailed skipper Suryakumar Yadav for infusing a fresh life into India’s T20I squad after the retirement of legends Kohli and Rohit.

“Me and Surya have been on the same page when we talk about selflessness and fearlessness. But yes, we want to be more smart going forward, because that is how we're going to grow as a T20 team, and hopefully in all the other formats as well.

“But I think the guys have been absolutely phenomenal. They've got the skills, they've got the temperament, they've got all the ability.

And what they've done in the last six months, I think that's been incredible,” he added.

Gambhir also detailed the working ethos for India in T20 Internationals.

“I think the foundation of this T20 team was based on two principles. That is selflessness and fearlessness. I think that is something which we want to create in that dressing room, and these young boys have responded really, really well,” he added.

Looking forward to the challenge

After winning the T20 World Cup in June last year, India is preparing for another global tournament, the Champions Trophy later this month.

Skipper Rohit Sharma said it was all about keeping focus on the challenge and delivering at the right time.

“The ICC Trophy, as we know, comes every year now. So, there's no time for you to take the foot off the pedal. You always want to be ready for that challenge. We recently finished the T20 World Cup, which was superb for us. Now, we look forward to another one.

“Everyone's getting prepared in their own fashion. A lot of the guys are playing domestic cricket, a lot of guys are playing international cricket as well. So, yeah, when the time comes, it's all about just getting your mind right and focusing on what lies ahead,” said Rohit.

The ‘Hitman’ also did not want to think too much about India’s match against Pakistan, terming it as just another game.

“I think in the past two or three years, I've spoken a lot about that game. It's just a game for us. We will try and do what is required for any cricket team to do on that particular day. We just want to show up there and show up well.”

A collective decision: Surya

India’s T20 International skipper Suryakumar Yadav said the team’s aggressive approach in the format is the result of a “collective” decision by the management and the players.

“It’s a collective effort. We've decided that we want to play a brand of cricket going forward, irrespective of what position we are in. In T20s, by the time you blink your eyes, the game is over. But everyone needs to have their own plan. But we have to be on the same page.” Suryakumar, who is currently going through a lean patch, hoped to get some runs under his belt.

“If you want to do something special, change the way how T20 cricket is played. I'm saying that again and again that these guys have made my job a lot easier. I'm hoping to get some runs as well.” The Mumbaikar also recalled the brilliant catch he took in the T20 World Cup final to dismiss South Africa’s David Miller in the last over.

“As soon as the ball went in the air, I was like, let me try and at least push the ball inside the boundary rope. But to be in that moment, in that 15-20 second moment, I think that has completely changed my life. And it is actually one of the greatest moments of my life.”

Published - February 02, 2025 11:54 am IST