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Senior pacer Mohammad Shami has acknowledged that playing all their Champions Trophy 2025 matches at a single venue in Dubai has worked in India’s favor.
The Men in Blue have been unstoppable in the tournament, securing wins over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stage, before defeating Australia in the semi-final to book a place in their third consecutive Champions Trophy final.
Shami was instrumental in India’s four-wicket victory over Australia, returning with figures of 3/48 (10 overs) in the crucial knockout clash.
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Shami: Familiar Conditions Gave India an Edge
After the semi-final, Shami admitted that India’s familiarity with the Dubai surface had been a major advantage in their unbeaten campaign so far.
“It definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behavior of the pitch. It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue,” Shami said, as quoted by TOI.
Gambhir Dismisses “Undue Advantage” Claims
However, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had a contrasting view on the subject. He dismissed suggestions that India had an unfair advantage, arguing that Dubai is as much a neutral venue for India as it is for any other team.
“It is as much a neutral venue for us as it is for any team in this tournament. I don’t remember the last tournament we played here in this stadium.”
Gambhir also pointed out that India’s practice conditions were vastly different from the match conditions at the Dubai International Stadium.
“What undue advantage? We are practicing at the ICC Academy. The conditions there and at the Dubai International Stadium are completely different. There’s a huge difference between the two wickets.”
Taking a dig at those complaining about India’s schedule, Gambhir added:
“Some people are perpetual cribbers, man. They’ve got to grow up.”
India to Face Either South Africa or New Zealand in the Final
India will return to the same venue on Sunday (March 9) for the Champions Trophy final, where they will take on the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the other seven teams in the tournament have had to travel between the UAE and three cities in Pakistan, as part of the hybrid model used for the event.
South Africa, for instance, had to travel to Dubai for a match before heading back to Pakistan for their semi-final against New Zealand in Lahore on Wednesday (March 5).
With conditions now well in India’s favor, Rohit Sharma and Co. will look to capitalize on their experience in Dubai and bring home the Champions Trophy title once again.
