As Team India prepares for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy final, head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the importance of staying in the moment rather than getting distracted by external factors. His message comes after India’s hard-fought semifinal victory, powered by a brilliant innings from Virat Kohli.
Kohli’s Brilliance Guides India to Victory
Virat Kohli once again showcased his class in the semifinal, anchoring India’s run chase with a composed 84 off 98 balls. Chasing 265 against Australia, Kohli’s ability to handle pressure and time his innings perfectly proved crucial in securing a four-wicket win. His performance reaffirmed why he is regarded as one of the best chasers in world cricket.
Gambhir was full of praise for the star batter, highlighting his experience and game awareness. “Kohli knows how to construct an innings, how to adapt to different situations. That’s what makes him so valuable,” he stated. The head coach emphasized that having seasoned players like Kohli is a massive advantage in high-pressure tournaments.
Gambhir Responds to Venue Advantage Controversy
Critics have suggested that India has had an unfair advantage by playing all their matches in Dubai, but Gambhir dismissed these claims outright. He clarified that the team never practiced at the Dubai International Stadium and instead trained at the ICC Academy, where pitch conditions differ significantly.
“Some people will always find reasons to complain. Instead of focusing on excuses, we choose to focus on the game,” Gambhir asserted. He made it clear that India’s success is a result of skill and preparation, not external advantages.
Aiming for the Perfect Game in the Final
With an unbeaten record in the tournament so far, India now sets its sights on the Champions Trophy final. While acknowledging the team’s excellent performance, Gambhir stressed that the ultimate goal is to deliver a “perfect game” on the big day.
“We have played well so far, but the job is not done yet. The final is a fresh challenge, and we need to be at our absolute best,” he said. He urged his players to maintain their focus, avoid distractions, and give their all in the decisive match.