Ravi Shastri Contradicts Gautam Gambhir On India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match

Ravi Shastri, ex-India all-rounder, shut down current head coach Gautam Gambhir saying that the India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match is just another match. Shastri, who himself was part of many such matches, is aware of the dressing room atmosphere and the pressure of playing in such big games.

Shastri was recently questioned about India's current head coach Gautam Gambhir's comments, in which the latter suggested that the India-Pakistan encounter be viewed as just another game in the tournament. The former India head coach stated that such replies are only for the media.

While Shastri believes both teams will be under pressure, he is quick to point out that India will be the favorites heading into this encounter. He believes that the ODI format suits India better and allows their skilled players to make a greater effect on the game.

“You have to say it”- Ravi Shastri on Gautam Gambhir’s comments

During an interview with The ICC Review, Ravi Shastri discussed his experience as India's head coach in matches against Pakistan. While he believes he would have responded the same way as Gambhir, he also understands that such questions are intended to keep the media from overhyping the situation.

“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. 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,” Shastri said.

Shastri cautions Indian players

The former India all-rounder believes that people will ignore past records in India-Pakistan matches. He believes that even if the players win all but one match, they will be reminded of their defeat.

“People don't care what you have done in the past. They're not bothered about the last 10 games if you won eight or you won nine. But they'll remind you if you lose one, until the next time you play them,” Ravi Shastri noted.

Pakistan has the upper hand vs India in ICC Champions Trophy matches with 3 wins and 2 losses in 5 matches. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan match will be played on February 23 in Dubai.

Ravi Shastri picks his favorite for India-Pakistan clash

Further on the rivalry, Ravi Shastri stated that India-Pakistan matches are unique in that everyone participates. He also believes that the ODI format fits India more and that they will enter the contest as favorites.

“It can be a taxi driver, it could be anyone on the street. ‘What happened to India?’ The same question to Pakistan. ‘What happened to Pakistan?’ So whether you like it or not, it's a different game. Different beasts altogether.

No, that won't play on their mind because that was a T20 game (on India's T20 World Cup 2021 defeat to Pakistan). This is a 50-over clash. It's totally different. And it's a longer game which suits India more. India is a far better side and far more experienced as well,” he reckoned.

While all the teams will play in Pakistan, India's matches will be held in Dubai after the BCCI refused to send their team to Pakistan due to the refusal of the Indian government. It will also be Gautam Gambhir's first India-Pakistan match as the head coach.

Also Read: Sufiyan Muqeem To Be Included In Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad- Report