After India’s emphatic seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash at the Dubai International Stadium, head coach Gautam Gambhir framed the occasion as far more than just a cricketing triumph. He called it a moment to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and salute India’s armed forces.
“This match (against Pakistan) was important because, as a team, we wanted to show our solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack,” Gambhir said.
“More importantly, we want to thank the armed forces for their successful Operation Sindoor. And I am sure we will continue to try to make the country proud and happy.”
The emotional backdrop shaped the contest, with India pointedly refusing handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts both before and after the match, an act that drew sharp reactions from former Pakistan cricketers and Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi.
Gambhir, however, kept his focus firmly on the meaning of the fixture and his team’s clinical performance.
“You can’t ask for a better performance than this, especially the way the bowlers bowled. If you restrict the opposition to 128, the way the spinners, Jasprit Bumrah, and all the bowlers performed… you obviously back your batting line-up. The way we started was very, very important. That is what good teams do: they turn up day in and day out and keep doing the right things,” he said, praising both the discipline of the attack and the composure of the batters.
The former opener was also seen waiting by the stairs leading to the dressing room, offering each player a firm pat on the back and a few words of encouragement as they walked in, a gesture many saw as a symbol of quiet solidarity and affirmation.
Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, Gambhir emphasised the importance of honesty in the role.
“I have had my good days and my bad days as well. That is what coaching is all about. Whenever I took up coaching, I knew there would be both good and bad days. But the important thing is that if you can work with honesty in that dressing room… that honesty is very important in any field,” he said.