India hungry for Champions Trophy title but not desperate, says star batsman Gill

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Stopping that barren run has allowed them to play the big matches like Sunday’s final without getting overwhelmed by the occasion, said the 25-year-old Gill.

“Sometimes once you get one title, I think that kind of breaks the jinx,” he told reporters at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on the eve of the final.

“It gives you the momentum, also you are not very desperate about getting the title. It’s not good when desperation kicks in. Then it becomes hard to put the occasion out of the equation.

“In all these big matches, the players or the teams that can put aside the pressure and take the occasion out of the game have a better chance of winning.

“I think winning the title in 2024 doesn’t mean that we are less hungry but I think it makes us more balanced that yes we’ve won an ICC title and we’ll try to do our best to win this one.”

Virat Kohli (C) speaks with his teammates during a practice session at Dubai International Stadium. AFP

India remain the tournament’s only unbeaten team having already defeated New Zealand in a group game in Dubai.

They have been boosted by stalwart Virat Kohli’s return to form and the firepower in their middle order.

“I think this is the best batting lineup that I have been part of,” Gill said. “Rohit and Virat are all-time one-day greats. Rohit is one of the best openers in white ball and Virat is one of the best ODI batsmen ever.

“The batting depth that we have has made life easier for the top order batsmen. Those of us in the top order play with so much of freedom because of our batting depth.”