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India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir has played down the huge hype around a possible India-Pakistan clash at the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. With the World Cup schedule set to be announced on October 1 in Cape Town, the rivalry returned to the headlines, but Gautam Gambhir wants India to keep its focus on the bigger target.
After India's eight-wicket win over West Indies in the second ODI in Guwahati, Gambhir stressed that their main target is to win the World Cup, not just beat one particular team. Amid this, Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the India vs West Indies 3rd ODI with a hamstring injury.
Gautam Gambhir plays down India-Pakistan hype
Gautam Gambhir has stressed that the India national cricket team must treat Pakistan like any other opponent. He understands that fans, broadcasters, and the media will give the rivalry huge attention, but they just want to keep things simple and calm and focus on the bigger goal.
Gambhir was quoted as saying by Star Sports, "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. 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. 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.”
Gautam Gambhir reveals India’s big challenge before WC
Gambhir is also worried about the limited time the Men in Blue have left to prepare for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. The team could have only around 20 ODIs before the tournament, which means every match will be important for testing players and finding the best combination.
The head coach said that Aaqib Nabi's opportunity against West Indies in Guwahati was part of this plan. Gambhir wants India to give chances to players while there is still enough time to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
He also believes players must be tested when the pressure is real. Gambhir further shared, “It wasn't a dead rubber, and we also want to put players under pressure. A dead rubber lacks the same pressure as a match where the series is at stake.”
Gautam Gambhir’s big plan for Gurnoor Brar ahead of 2027 World Cup revealed
Young pacer Gurnoor Brar is another example of Gambhir's approach. The Indian head coach wants Brar to experience the toughest parts of an ODI rather than using him only during the middle overs to help him maintain good numbers.
Gambhir believes that facing tough situations now will help Gurnoor become better prepared for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Earlier, Shubman Gill praised the batting, slamming the bowling department after a historic 400+ run chase against West Indies.
Gambhir said, “The more he 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.”
