Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir backed senior players of the team including the likes of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Notably, both the players aren’t in their best form from the last couple of months and also failed to score big in their return in Ranji Trophy. However, Gambhir feels that both Rohit and Kohli will play a crucial role for Men in Blue for the upcoming tournament in Pakistan and UAE. 

During the red carpet of the annual BCCI awards, Gautam Gabmhir heaped praise on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and stated that both the players add ‘so much value’ in the dressing room. “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),” Gambhir was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports. “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.”

Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge than ODI World Cup: Gautam Gambhir

Speaking further, Gautam Gambhir also talked about the importance of a tournament like the Champions Trophy and how it is different from the ODI World Cup. Notably, the Champions Trophy is coming back after eight years with defending champions being the main hosts. However, India will play all their matches in Dubai. The tournament is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9.  

“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,” Gautam Gambhir said.