Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has stated that Pakistan should be treated like any other opposition and has played down the hype around the potential India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, Gambhir clarified that the Indian team’s job is to try and win the World Cup and not just to play against Pakistan. Notably, the mega event will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“I have no preference. I think our job isn’t just to play against Pakistan; our job is to go there, compete, and try to win the World Cup,” Gambhir told Star Sports.
“I’ve said this before: Pakistan is just another team we have to play. Ultimately, when you go to South Africa, the goal is to perform well and win the tournament, rather than focusing solely on beating Pakistan,” he added.
“I know broadcasters, emotions, and the public will keep talking about it, but in the dressing room, we try to keep things as simple and calm as possible,” he said.
Further, Gambhir talked about India’s experimentation with a few sets of players as India plays around 20 ODIs before the World Cup, adding that the experimentation cannot be restricted to matches where the result no longer matters. He also talked about pacer Gurnoor Brar bowling in high-pressure situations.
“It wasn’t a dead rubber, and we also want to put players under pressure. A dead rubber doesn’t carry the same pressure as a match where the series is on the line,” he noted.
“The more he (Gurnoor Brar) bowls in tough conditions and high-pressure situations, the better it is for Indian cricket. You could easily have him bowl defensive spells in the middle overs and get good figures, but exposing him to those critical moments is what truly benefits Indian cricket,” he concluded.
