Gambhir expects something big from Rohit Sharma-Kohli in Champions Trophy, plays down India vs Pakistan match

India cricket team’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, was present at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Naman Awards 2025. With Team India playing England at the Wankhede Stadium tomorrow (January 2), it was only natural that he and the entire T20I team be present for the event happening in Mumbai.

Gambhir backs Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli at the ICC Champions Trophy

With the ICC Champions Trophy coming up, Gambhir was posed a question about the 8-team tournament. He was further asked about two of the most senior players in the team, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Where do they stand after failing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and question marks over their Test careers?

“Kohli & Rohit are going to play a massive role in the Champions Trophy,” Gambhir told Star Sports at the BCCI Naman Awards.

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India vs Pakistan match, just a game

The India vs. Pakistan match was brought up as well. Gambhir admitted that the clash, which will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23, will be huge, but they aren’t taking it that seriously. “India vs Pakistan will be a big match, but it boils down to bat vs ball,” he added.

The ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, had a chat before the event started. Again, like Gambhir, he was asked about the high-octane match as well. And just like the head, he played it down as well. “It’s just a match,” the opener said.