India, Feb. 6 -- Few rivalries in world cricket carry the weight and intensity of an India-Pakistan contest, and former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that no matter how much one tries to downplay its significance, the match holds a deeper meaning. With the two teams set to clash in the Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai, Shastri weighed in on head coach Gautam Gambhir's stance that the fixture should be treated just like any other in the tournament.

Gambhir, known for his fearless approach both as a player and now as a coach, had stated that India's group-stage game against Pakistan carries the same importance as any other match in the competition.

However, Shastri, speaking on The ICC Review, hinted that while such state...