Mumbai: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has reaffirmed his faith in veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing their crucial role in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy despite their recent struggles with form.
Both players were part of India’s Test squad that endured a 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand, followed by a 3-1 series defeat in Australia, marking the end of India’s decade-long dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In response to these setbacks, Rohit and Kohli returned to domestic cricket in an effort to regain their rhythm ahead of the international tournament.
“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.”
India’s Champions Trophy Campaign
India is placed in Group A of the Champions Trophy and will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on Feb. 20. They will then face defending champions Pakistan on Feb. 23 before concluding the group stage against New Zealand.
Gambhir acknowledged the high stakes of the tournament, noting its knockout-style intensity.
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“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,” he 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…
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“We don’t go to the Champions Trophy thinking that Feb. 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.”
