India head coach Gautam Gambhir opened up on struggling Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's roles in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 which is scheduled to start from February 19. The showpiece event will take place in a hybrid model where one of the semifinals and matches featuring India will take place in Dubai and Pakistan will host the rest of the tournament. The venue for the final depends upon India's chances if Rohit Sharma-led side qualifies for the final it will take place in Dubai otherwise Pakistan will host the title decider.
Gambhir backed India captain Rohit and star batter Virat who are currently going through a lean patch in their career. He said that the duo will play a massive role in the mega event and they add so much value to the dressing room.
"They have got to play a massive role. Those guys are so hungry to play for the country. They have the passion to play for the country. The Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge compared to the 50-over World Cup as virtually every game is make or break. Every game is a knockout. You can't slip anywhere in this competition. Hopefully, we can start off very well because if we're to win the trophy, we need to win 5 games. For me, Rohit and Virat add so much value to the dressing room and Indian cricket as well. So both those guys and the rest have to be hungry," said Gambhir during BCCI's Naman Awards.
The duo last featured for India in Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 where Rohit scored 31 runs in three Test outings and Virat scored 190 runs in five Test outings.
Rohit and Virat will now be seen in action against England in a three-match ODI series which is scheduled to start from February 6. The upcoming white ball clash against England will be India's last white ball assignment before the Champions Trophy.
