Gambhir backs Kohli, Rohit for 'massive roles' in Champions Trophy
What's the story
Ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Despite their recent dip in form, Gambhir believes both players still have "so much value" to add to the team.
"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," he said at the BCCI annual awards in Mumbai on Saturday.
Player dedication
Gambhir highlights Kohli, Rohit's passion for cricket
Further, Gambhir stressed on the commitment and passion of Kohli and Sharma toward Indian cricket.
"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.
He also pointed out every game in Champions Trophy is important because of its format with just three league matches per team.
Match anticipation
Gambhir downplays India-Pakistan match hype
Downplaying the hype of the India vs Pakistan match, which will be played on February 23 in Dubai, Gambhir said, "Look, we don't go to the Champions Trophy thinking that the 23rd is the most important game for us. I think five games, all the games are important."
He added emotions run high when the two nations play, but "ultimately the contest remains the same."
Team growth
Gambhir praises Yadav's impact on T20I squad
Gambhir also lauded India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for injecting new ideas into the squad after Kohli and Sharma retired from the shortest format after last year's T20 World Cup.
"Me and Surya have been on the same page when we talk about selflessness and fearlessness," he said.
He stressed that these values are important for the team's growth in all formats of cricket.