Follow UsIndia’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, said Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have to play a “massive role” in the 2025 Champions Trophy, starting on February 19. The two senior batters have struggled in red-ball cricket but their numbers in the 50-over format have been quite impressive.
In ODIs since 2023, skipper Rohit has slammed 1412 runs in 29 innings at an average of 52.3 and a strike rate of close to 120, while Kohli has amassed 1435 in 27 innings at 65.23 and a strike rate of 98.4.
"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)," said Gambhir at the BCCI annual awards.
"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 will start their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 before taking on Pakistan and New Zealand on February 23 and March 2, respectively. Gambhir said they can’t afford any slip-ups because there will only be three group games.
"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."
Talking about the blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash, Gambhir added, "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."