Shubman Gill rejects Harbhajan Singh's 'overhyped' verdict on IND-PAK rivalry, but names bigger clash

India National Cricket Team vice-captain Shubman Gill reacted to Harbhajan Singh's comment that the India vs Pakistan rivalry is over-hyped. He admitted that it's a big game, adding that they focus on making their team win, and if the match gives happiness to fans, they are no one to call the game over-hyped or under-hyped.

India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to take place on Sunday (23rd February) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The hype for the game is very high, as it has been in the news for the last few months, with many making their predictions.

Harbhajan Singh calls India vs Pakistan game over-hyped

India and Pakistan have always engaged in high-intensity battles over the years. Both the arch-rivals have given their best against each other, but it's fair to say that in the recent past, it has been the Men in Blue who have the upper hand in the head-to-head records.

Former India player Harbhajan Singh, who recently shared his take on the India vs Pakistan game, called the match over-hyped. He said that there wouldn't be any exciting thing in the game and backed the Rohit Sharma-led side to win the match easily.

It is a big match, but I think the biggest match would be the finals - Shubman Gill on IND vs PAK

Shubman Gill, while reacting to Harbhajan Singh's comment, said that India vs Pakistan has its history and it's an exciting clash. He said that if people get happy by watching this, he cannot comment on the game being over-hyped or under-hyped.

The India vice-captain added although Pakistan have lost the last few games, they are not taking them lightly. Speaking to reporters on the eve of the match, he said:

“India-Pakistan has its own history. It is an exciting contest every time both teams play. If so many people get happiness by watching this rivalry, who are we to call it over-hyped or under-hyped? We go to play cricket and we try to make our team win,”

"It is a big match, but I think the biggest match would be the finals that any team plays. We have been playing some good ODI cricket. Pakistan have lost some of the matches they have played recently. By no means will we think of them as a lesser side."

It is a delight to watch from the non-striker's end - Shubman Gill on Rohit Sharma

Shubman Gill also talked about his partnership with Rohit Sharma, saying that they bat differently in the powerplay. He stressed that the skipper likes to play lofted shots and he focuses on grounded shots and piercing those gaps.

Shubman Gill while talking further on the same added that it's a delight for him to watch the India skipper from the non-striker's end. He elaborated:

"I think the way we play the game in the powerplay is quite different. Rohit bhai likes to play more aerial shots and try to hit those big sixes. I like to play grounded shots and pierce those gaps. If I see the bowler under pressure, then I look to take my chances and go over the circle.

"That is the hallmark of us as a pair; we score boundaries with different shots, and the bowlers really have to think which areas to target for us. The areas that we target are different to each other.

“It doesn't affect me as such. Rohit bhai has his own style, if anything it helps in getting into my own groove and go about things. It is a delight to watch from the non-striker's end. We have had a few good partnerships over the past few years. I like to bat with him all the time."

Shubman Gill will be playing a key role for India in the game against Pakistan. The right-hander slammed a terrific ton in the game against Bangladesh and would be keen to carry on his good form.

Also read: Virat Kohli, Babar Azam ignored! Travis Head, Jos Buttler pick this Indian as the best batter of CT 2025