Holding nerve will be key in the CT final, says Gill

India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill exuded his excitement ahead of the high-voltage Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday.

- Mohammad Abdullah, Senior Reporter

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Dubai, Gill said: “We are very excited. It is my second final in an ICC event, and we would like to win it this time.”

Gill played in the final of the 2024 World Cup, which India lost to Australia, and the pain is still fresh in the minds of the Indian players, which often surfaces in their statements.

Gill also said the final of any tournament is always a high-pressure game, and the team that handles it better wins.

"The pressure is always there for the big matches. The team that holds their nerve better comes out on top, like the West Indies of the past or Australian teams of the past.

"It's easy to say there’s no pressure, but the reality is that every player feels it. However, experienced players know how to manage it, like Virat bhai did well in the semi-final.”

Virat Kohli, who has been the main pillar of the Indian batting line-up for more than a decade, scored a match-winning 86 against Australia as India chased down a tricky target of 265.