Few rivalries in the realm of cricket possess the significance and fervor of the India-Pakistan matchup. Former head coach of the Indian team, Ravi Shastri, asserts that despite attempts to minimize its importance, the contest carries profound implications. As the two teams prepare to meet in the Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai, Shastri commented on head coach Gautam Gambhir’s perspective that this match should be regarded as equivalent to any other in the tournament.

Gambhir, recognized for his bold demeanor both as a player and now as a coach, has expressed that the group-stage encounter between India and Pakistan holds the same weight as any other match in the competition.

Nevertheless, Shastri, during an appearance on The ICC Review, suggested that while such remarks may be appropriate in a professional context, the underlying reality is quite different.

“I served as coach for seven years. Whenever I was asked, I echoed Gambhir’s sentiments. However, I can assure you that beneath the surface, there is much more at stake than one might assume, particularly for the media,” Shastri acknowledged.

“You must convey that message. Yet, deep down, the desire to win is strong. If you fail to do so, the memory of that loss will haunt you until the next encounter with Pakistan.”

The last meeting between India and Pakistan in an ICC event took place at the same venue during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Pakistan achieved a historic 10-wicket victory—its first against India in a World Cup match. Although India has since triumphed over Pakistan in both T20Is and ODIs, Shastri emphasized that the outcomes of such high-stakes matches remain etched in public consciousness far longer than those of any other games.

“People are indifferent to your past achievements. They do not care if you have won eight or nine of your last ten matches. However, they will remind you of a single loss until the next time you face them,” he elaborated.

“It could be a taxi driver or anyone on the street asking, ‘What happened to India?’ The same inquiry applies to Pakistan: ‘What happened to Pakistan?’ Therefore, whether one wishes to acknowledge it or not, this is a unique contest.”

2021 result no longer relevant

Shastri is confident that the memories of the 2021 encounter will not affect the Indian team, as the format of the upcoming match is more advantageous for them. 

"That will not be a concern for them since it was a T20 match. This is a 50-over format, which is entirely different," he stated. "Moreover, it is a longer game that aligns better with India's strengths... India is a significantly stronger and more experienced team."

India will host all of their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, following the BCCI's decision to refrain from traveling to Pakistan for the tournament due to security concerns.

Read Also: Nitin Menon Bows Out of Champions Trophy, Declines Pakistan Travel

"Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!"