India achieved a commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their Group A Asia Cup 2025 match at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 14. The match, held under the shadow of the Pahalgam terror attacks earlier this year, saw one of India’s most efficient and focused performances in recent times. Head coach Gautam Gambhir praised the team’s effort, emphasizing their approach rather than comparing them to other teams in the tournament.
After losing the toss, India was asked to bowl first. Their bowling attack quickly put Pakistan under pressure. Fast bowlers Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah struck early with the new ball, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy dominated the middle overs. Pakistan struggled to build partnerships and were eventually restricted to 127/9 in 20 overs. Only Sahibzada Farhan (40) and Shaheen Afridi (33*) offered some resistance with the bat.
“Good Start, More to Come” – Gambhir Comments on Win
Chasing 128, India got off to a strong start as Abhishek Sharma scored 31 runs from just 13 balls with Shubman Gill. Tilak Varma added useful runs, and captain Suryakumar Yadav finished the match with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. After the game, coach Gautam Gambhir praised the team for their good performance and disciplined approach.
“Good win, but there’s still a lot of cricket ahead. More importantly, as a team, we wanted to show support for the victims and families affected by the Pahalgam attack. We also thank the armed forces for their success in Operation Sindoor. I’m confident we will make the country proud and happy. The bowlers did an excellent job, especially the three spinners and Bumrah, restricting Pakistan to 127. That gave our batting lineup the confidence to chase the target. The way we started was crucial, and the players are performing well every day,” Gambhir told Sony Sports Network.
Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated India’s win to the victims and armed forces affected by the Pahalgam terror attack, showing respect and national pride. The match sparked controversy when Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistan, which some criticized. However, the team defended it as a symbolic tribute to the victims. Gambhir also avoided comparing his team to other competitors and shared insights into his coaching approach.
“You can’t compare two different things. Some may not notice the team’s progress, but we’ve always supported the players and staff. We will continue achieving results in the future. Coaching has its ups and downs, that’s normal. What matters most is honesty—having honest people in the dressing room and around the team. Honesty is essential for the growth of Indian cricket, whether on the field, in the commentary box, or in the studio,” he said.
FAQ
What did Gautam Gambhir say about India’s win against Pakistan?
Gambhir praised India’s dominant performance, calling it clinical and emphasizing that comparisons with other teams aren’t fair.
Why did Gambhir mention “apples to oranges”?
He used the phrase to explain that India’s situation and team progress can’t be directly compared with others.
What did Gambhir say about backing players and staff?
He stated that the players and support staff have been consistently backed, which is key to achieving future results.
Did Gambhir talk about coaching challenges?
Yes, he mentioned that coaching has good days and bad days, but honesty and teamwork are what matter most.
