Asia Cup 2025: 'Can’t compare apples to oranges' - Gautam Gambhir heaps huge praise for India's dominating victory over Pakistan

Published - 15 Sept 2025, 14:25 IST | Updated - 15 Sept 2025, 14:50 IST

India registered a dominating seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 14. The contest, surrounded by emotion following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, ended in one of India’s most clinical performances in recent times. Head coach Gautam Gambhir praised his team for their efforts, while also downplaying comparisons with other teams in the tournament.

Meanwhile, India was asked to bowl after losing the toss. India’s attack dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah struck early with the new ball, before spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy ran through the opposition line-up. Pakistan eventually were bundled to 127/9 in their 20 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan (40) and Shaheen Afridi (33*) putting in strong efforts.

Akhtar on India refusing handshakes with Pakistan players

Chasing 128, India’s Abhishek Sharma hammered a 13-ball 31, giving a solid start alongside Shubman Gill. Tilak Varma made handy contributions, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav guided India home with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. Post-match, Gambhir lauded both the execution and the discipline shown by his squad.

“Good win, there’s a lot of cricket left. More importantly, as a team we wanted to show our solidarity towards the victims, all the families and what they’ve gone through in the Pahalgam attack. We also want to thank the armed forces for their success in Operation Sindoor. I’m sure we will try and make the country proud and make them happy. You couldn’t ask for a better performance, especially the way the bowlers bowled. If you are restricting the opponents to 127, the way all three spinners and Bumrah performed, then obviously you will back the batting lineup to chase it down. The way we started was also important, and the players are doing the right things day in and day out.," Gambhir told broadcasters Sony Sports Network.

Notably, Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the victims and the armed forces of the Pahalgam terror attack, and used the stage to respect their solidarity and national pride. The contest also triggered controversy as the Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, a gesture that drew criticism but was defended as a symbolic stand of respect for the victims. The head coach refused to compare his team with others participating in the competition. He also revealed his coaching approach.

“You can’t compare apples to oranges. Some people may not see the transition clearly, but we’ve kept backing the players, the support staff has kept backing them, and we’ll keep getting results in the future as well. I’ve had my good days, I’ve had my bad days as well that’s what coaching is about. The important thing is if you can work honestly in the dressing room, bring honest people, it is very important. Honesty is needed to take Indian cricket forward, whether inside the dressing room or outside, in the commentary box or the studio," he added.