Match in opposition to Pakistan ought to simply be a step in the direction of profitable the World Cup, says Gautam Gambhir | Cricket Information – Instances of India

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir pressured that the highest precedence for the Indian workforce ought to be profitable the 2023 World Cup, with out overly emphasizing on their match in opposition to arch-rivals Pakistan.
Gambhir, who was talking on Star Sports activities throughout his stint on the ongoing Asia Cup, felt that the match in opposition to Pakistan is “only a step in the direction of profitable the World Cup”.
“England had the final snicker (in 2019).You go into that match not pondering that we now have solely bought to beat Pakistan, and I hope that doesn’t occur within the 50-over World Cup in India as nicely,” mentioned Gambhir.”I hope it is not solely about India and Pakistan on October 14. I hope it is about India taking part in the World Cup remaining and lifting the Cup since you by no means understand how many individuals might be a part of the subsequent World Cup from this World Cup workforce, and it solely occurs after four years,” Gambhir mentioned.
“For us as a nation, for us as followers, for us as broadcasters, the whole lot shouldn’t solely be targeted on India and Pakistan. It’s all about profitable the World Cup. Pakistan is only a block. It’s only a step towards profitable the World Cup,” he added.
Gambhir additionally fondly recalled the victorious Indian squads from the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, underscoring that their central emphasis was on attaining the last word championship, whereas relating to the Pakistan match as merely a stepping stone of their journey.

“In 2007, the T20 World Cup, we began our marketing campaign in opposition to Pakistan, we performed the ultimate in opposition to Pakistan. It was by no means about Pakistan solely. Even in 2011, it was by no means about Pakistan, Pakistan have been only a step. So when as a broadcaster, as consultants, if we cease speaking about solely India vs Pakistan and take into consideration profitable the World Cup, I feel Staff India might be in a a lot better place,” Gambhir said.
India will play Pakistan on October 14 on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, after opening their marketing campaign with the match in opposition to Australia in Chennai on October 8.
(With company inputs)