Rohit and Virat have massive role to play in Champions Trophy: Gambhir

Gambhir praises Kohli and Rohit's value to Indian cricket, emphasizing their crucial roles in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir placed his faith in batting icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play “massive roles” in the Champions Trophy and said they add “so much value” to the team and the country’s cricketing landscape in general.

The modest form of Kohli and Rohit in recent times has fuelled speculation about their future, but Gambhir did not read too much into it.

“I think both Rohit and Virat, they add so much value to the dressing room. They add so much value to Indian cricket as well. They've got to play a massive role (in the Champions Trophy),” Gambhir said during the BCCI annual awards on Saturday (February 1, 2025).

“And I've said it before as well, those guys are so hungry, they want to play for the country. They have the passion to play for the country and deliver for the country,” he added.

Gambhir said the team cannot relax even for a moment in the Champions Trophy because they have just three league matches, as compared to the 50-over World Cup.

“Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge as compared to the 50-over World Cup because literally every game is a make-or-break, so you can't stop anywhere in this tournament.

“So hopefully we're going to start off really well, because ultimately, if you want to go on and win the competition, you have to win five games,” he said.