The India coach knows exactly what his team needs to do if they want to win the third Champions Trophy title in their collection. India coach Gautam Gambhir has downplayed the special significance of his team’s clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, saying every match in the tournament is of equal importance.
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All eyes will be on Dubai on February 23 when India take on Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A match that is sure to be decisive for the fate of each side in their attempts to reach the playoffs of the tournament.
While Gambhir is aware of the added emotional attachment involved in matches between India and Pakistan, the coach believes the clash in Dubai is just one step his team must take if they are to claim a third Champions Trophy title after their won in 2002 and 2013.
Look, we don’t go into the Champions Cup thinking that the 23rd game is the most important game for us. I think five games, all games are important, Gambhir told Star Sports at the BCCI annual awards ceremony in Mumbai on Saturday.
India Vs Pakistan Rivalry: High Emotions, Same Goal
“The mission of going to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy and not just win one particular game. But yes, if it’s one game in the middle of winning the Champions Trophy, we’ll try to 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 very strong, but ultimately the fight remains the same.
A total of eight teams will compete for the Champions Trophy this year, with India and Pakistan joined by Bangladesh and New Zealand in a tough Group A, with only two teams qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament.

Gambhir noted a significant difference when comparing this tournament to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and knows there is no room for error during this event. The Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge compared to the 50-over World Cup because literally every game is a defining moment, so you can’t stop anywhere in this tournament,” said Gambhir.
“So hopefully we start very well because at the end of the day if you want to go on and win the competition you need to win five games.”
India’s Experienced 15-Man Squad for the Champions Trophy
India has named an experienced 15-player squad for the tournament, with captain Rohit Sharma joined by other big names Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, K.L. Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, as well as the younger trio of Shubman Gill. , Yashasvi Jaiswal and Arshdeep Singh.
Gambhir knows that for India to win the Champions Trophy, the entire team will need input and is backing his two most experienced players to step up and perform well.
Rohit and Kohli are two of the three surviving members of India’s successful Champions Trophy team that won the final against England at Edgbaston in 2013 and Gambhir believes the duo can rise to the occasion again.
I think both Rohit and Virat add a lot of value to the dressing room. They also add a lot of value to Indian cricket. They have a huge role to play (in the Champions Trophy), Gambhir added. And I’ve said it before: these guys are so hungry that they want to play for the country. They have a passion to play for the country and give back to the country.

India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.
India’s Group Stage Fixtures:
20 February – India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
23 February – India vs Pakistan, Dubai
2 March – India vs New Zealand, Dubai
Champions Trophy: India’s Predicted Playing XI! Surprise Picks for India Vs Pakistan Match
India and Pakistan played a total of 135 matches, out of which India won 57 matches and Pakistan won 73. The much-awaited battle for the Champions Trophy 2025 will take place between India and Pakistan on February 23 at the Dubai International Stadium. With both teams gearing up for an exciting clash, India’s biggest challenge will be selecting the playing XI as the team is loaded with exceptionally talented players.
The Opening Pair for India vs Pakistan
As the captain of the Indian contingent, Rohit Sharma is one of the most important players, his leadership qualities and ability to play longer innings will undoubtedly make him an ideal opener.
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Shubman Gill will be his debut partner. Gill was seen to have performed quite well on debut, so his ability to handle pace and spin with ease makes him the right choice. If the dispute is settled, both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill could wreak havoc and pose a big test for Pakistani bowlers.

India’s Middle Order ahead of Champions Trophy
Then at number three we have star Indian batter Virat Kohli, who is the biggest headache for Pakistan. Kohli is capable of performing under pressure and his role is extremely important. Then Shreyas Iyer and KL come out at numbers 4 and 5. Rahul, both players are extremely calm. Their composure throughout the serve and ability to vary their swing by hitting aggressively when needed is extremely important.
Strongest All-Rounders in India’s Squad
The all-around team includes Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. While Pandya provides the pace, Jadeja and Axar can have their way to victory. The most important factor is their batting and exceptional fielding which always gives India an edge.
Champions Trophy – India’s Lethal Bowling Attack
In the middle overs, Yadav will be crucial on dry Dubai surfaces, breaking the partnership with his sharp turn.But, at the end of the pace, Jasprit Bumrah will do the job of producing yorkers and suicide bombers, accompanied by Mohammad Shami’s cutters and sharp breaks in the powerplay, which could help turn the tide with Bumrah against Pakistan’s strong order.
India’s Predicted Playing XI
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami

India vs Pakistan In ODIs: Head-To-Head
In total, India and Pakistan played 135 matches, out of which India won 57 matches and Pakistan 73. Despite Pakistan being considered dominant, India emerged victorious as a powerful team and defeated Pakistan on multiple occasions. Team India will be looking forward to the decisive battle and hoping to win against their arch rivals.
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