Indian cricketer Shubman Gill shared his favourite memories from the India-Pakistan rivalry ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, starting on February 19. In Disney+ Hotstar’s ‘Inside Out with Gill,’ he reminisced about India’s iconic 2011 World Cup semi-final win over Pakistan, stating:
“The best memory I have is the semi-final of the 2011 ODI World Cup in Mohali. I remember stepping out of the house and seeing fireworks everywhere, which was something very special.”
The 25-year-old also reflected on his experience facing Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad. Describing it as a unique moment, he highlighted the intense pressure and excitement surrounding the match, unlike anything he had experienced before. He shared:
“[From the 2023 ODI World Cup] Playing in Ahmedabad in a packed stadium, the atmosphere was so electric. It’s difficult to describe that feeling because when you’re there, you haven’t experienced anything like it very often.”
“It’s hard to put that feeling into words, but someone in the team had said that we play two finals — one against Pakistan and the actual final. After winning that match, it was like we have won one final.”
“One Game Doesn’t Define a Team” – Shubman Gill on India’s 2017 Champions Trophy Final Loss to Pakistan
Shubman Gill admitted that Pakistan had the edge in the Champions Trophy, winning three of five encounters. Reflecting on the 2017 final, he emphasized that one loss didn’t define India’s strong tournament performance. He said:
“Everyone knows that the last time we played the Champions Trophy, they beat us in the final. But I believe we played well in that edition, and personally, I don’t think one game can define what kind of team you are.”
India and Pakistan will face off in their Group A match of the 2025 Champions Trophy on Sunday, February 23, in Dubai.
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