The opponents of the Indian cricket team have raised concerns over what they perceive as an ‘advantage’ for Rohit Sharma’s team, playing all their matches at a single venue in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.
Under the Hybrid Model, India has been stationed in Dubai for all their matches, including the semifinal and potentially the final, while other teams have played across three venues in Pakistan.
New Zealand’s Matt Henry recently commented that India has adapted to the conditions in Dubai exceptionally well, stating that they played the “conditions beautifully” after his team suffered a 44-run defeat. The remarks highlighted a growing debate about whether India’s consistent presence in Dubai has given them an edge.
Despite the claims, India’s three Group A matches in Dubai have been played on different surfaces, with reports suggesting that the first semifinal will also take place on a fresh pitch. India is set to take on Australia in the first semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The stadium’s curator, Australian Matthew Sandery, has prepared pitches that have been slow and conducive to spin bowling throughout the tournament.
Rohit Sharma dismissed the notion that playing at the same venue has been a major advantage for his side. Addressing the topic, he stated, “In the semifinal, we don’t know which pitch is going to be played. Yes, we don’t know which pitch is going to be played in the semi-final. But whatever happens, we have to adapt and see what is happening. We will play on that. This is not our home, this is Dubai. So, we don’t play so many matches here. This is new for us too.”
With Monday being a rest day for the Indian team, Rohit did not get an opportunity to inspect the fresh pitch. Meanwhile, Australian captain Steve Smith observed that the pitch appeared dry, potentially favoring spin in the crucial semifinal clash.
All the best team India!
