Clash with Pakistan just another game, says India batsman Gill

Dubai, 22 Feb - India vice-captain Shubman Gill on Saturday said the eagerly-awaited match against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy is a fan favourite, but for his team it's business as usual.

The arch-rivals face off in Dubai on Sunday with the blockbuster clash 
expected to draw a packed house as the two teams only meet in multi-nation 
events due to political tensions.

India had refused to travel to host country Pakistan for the 50-over 
tournament and instead will play all their matches at the 25,000-capacity 
Dubai International Stadium.

Gill led India to victory against Bangladesh in their opening game, scoring 
an unbeaten 101 at the top of the order, and he said the team will try to 
keep up their winning habit.

"It doesn't change anything for us honestly," Gill said of taking on 
Pakistan.

"We play every match to win and this is no different for us and this is how 
we prepare for any match that we play. So that's how we are going to prepare 
for this one as well."

TV ratings soar when the Asian giants clash on the cricket field as millions 
tune into watch the match, which gives huge revenue to broadcasters.

Streets are deserted in India and Pakistan when the two play each other and 
Gill said he cannot deny the excitement among the fans.

"There is a long history of India-Pakistan and it's a very exciting contest 
when both the teams play," said Gill.

"Everyone enjoys watching it. If so many people are getting happiness in 
watching this match then who are we to say under-hype or over-hype?"

He added: "We go out to play cricket. We try our best to represent our 
country and try our best to win."

The rivals last met in a one-day game at the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad, 
with hosts India winning by seven wickets.

- Bring our 'A-game' -

India know a victory will put them in sight of the semi-finals, while 
Pakistan are playing for survival in the tournament after their loss to New 
Zealand in the opener.

New Zealand top Group A ahead of India on a better run-rate. Pakistan are 
fourth and bottom of the group.

The top two teams from each of the two groups make the semi-finals.

When pressed further about the enormity of the game, Gill said: "I think it 
is a big match. But I think the biggest match will obviously be the finals 
that the team plays. And definitely, we have been playing some good ODI 
cricket."

Gill said Pakistan remain a dangerous side despite some poor results.

"Pakistan, unfortunately, has lost some matches recently," said Gill.

"But by no means, I think we are going to take them as a lesser side. I think 
they have got a good side and it is important for us to bring our A-game 
tomorrow."

Gill has been in the form of his life in the 50-over format and on Thursday 
hit his second successive ODI century after he played a key role in India's 
recent 3-0 sweep of England.

Back-up wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant did not practise on the eve of the match 
with Pakistan and Gill said he is down with "viral fever".BSS