While India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is publicly downplaying the significance of the upcoming India-Pakistan match at the Champions Trophy, former coach Ravi Shastri has offered a contrasting perspective.
He said that the high-voltage encounter holds a deeper meaning. Gambhir had declared that all matches in the tournament are of equal importance.
Shastri, speaking on The ICC Review, acknowledged that such neutral statements are often necessary in a professional setting, but the reality behind the scenes is different. He suggested that the pressure and emotions associated with the India-Pakistan rivalry elevate it beyond just another game.
“I was the coach for seven years. Whenever I was asked, I said the same thing (as Gambhir). But let me assure you, deep down, there’s a lot more to that than you actually think, that’s for the media,” Shastri admitted.
“You have to say it. But deep down, you want to win that. Because if you don’t, you’ll be reminded of it until the next time you play against Pakistan”.
The India-Pakistan rivalry is considered one of the most intense sporting rivalries in the world, stemming from the historical and political tensions between the two nations following the Partition of British India in 1947.
Matches between the two sides are among the most-viewed sporting events globally.
India and Pakistan will face off on February 23 in Dubai during the Champions Trophy.
They last met at the same venue in an ICC event during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Pakistan secured a 10-wicket victory.
Although India has since defeated Pakistan in both T20Is and ODIs, Shastri highlighted how results in this high-voltage encounter linger in public memory far longer than any other fixture.
The rivalry extends beyond the sport, with matches often carrying diplomatic significance and sparking intense emotions among fans.
Despite attempts to downplay the importance, the India-Pakistan clash remains a high-stakes encounter with a rich history and immense cultural significance.
