Champions Trophy: Shubman Gill defends India-Pakistan cricket rivalry
What's the story
India's vice-captain and star batsman Shubman Gill has defended the importance of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry.
This comes as the two teams gear up for a face-off in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai.
The match has ignited debates about whether it has lost its charm over the years and turned one-sided in India's favor.
Talking about the same in the pre-match press conference Gill stated, "I don't believe that over-hype or under-hype is a thing."
Press response
Gill dismisses claims of overhype in pre-match press conference
As mentioned, in a pre-match press conference, Gill responded to these concerns. He rejected the notion that the match is overhyped considering the quality of both teams.
"India-Pakistan has a long history. It's an exciting contest when both these teams play. Everyone enjoys watching it," he noted.
He further added by stating, "Our effort is to play for the team I am playing for, to represent my country, and to win."
Rivalry
India, Pakistan clash in multilateral tournaments
It is worth noting that India and Pakistan do not engage in bilateral international series due to political tensions. They only face each other in multilateral tournaments.
The two countries recently clashed in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, where India reigned supreme. India also beat Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The last India-Pakistan bilateral series was held in 2012 (in India) when Pakistan defeated India 2-1 in ODIs. Besides, India last visited Pakistan in 2008.
Performance
Gill's stellar performance and future aspirations
Notably, Gill has been in red-hot form lately, having scored a century against Bangladesh in India's Champions Trophy opener.
He was also the Player of the Series as India whitewashed England 3-0 in ODIs at home.
The right-handed batsman ended as the highest run scorer of the series with 259 runs from three innings at an average of 86.33.
Successive 100
Shubman Gill slams his second successive ODI hundred
Gill brought up his eighth ODI hundred in the Bangladesh game.
He left spectators in awe with his extraordinary batting display as India chased down 229.
This was his second successive hundred and fourth back-to-back 50-plus score in the format.
Gill remained unbeaten on 101 off 129 balls (9 fours and 2 sixes). His brilliance powered India to a comfortable six-wicket win.