India’s campaign in the Champions Trophy has sparked debates over whether playing all their matches at a single venue gives them an undue advantage. While some former and current cricketers have raised concerns over this, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and former opener Gautam Gambhir have firmly dismissed such claims. However, pace spearhead Mohammed Shami has acknowledged that it has “definitely helped” the team.
Mohd. Shami, India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament with eight scalps from four matches, admitted that staying at one venue has given the team a better understanding of pitch conditions. “It has definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch. It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue. The main thing is to gauge the conditions and know how the pitch behaves because you are playing at one venue and you can get to know it well,” Shami said after India’s semi-final victory over Australia in Dubai.
Critics argue that India’s familiarity with the spin-friendly pitches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium has given them a tactical edge. Additionally, unlike other teams that have to travel between different venues, India remains stationed in Dubai throughout the tournament. Under the Hybrid Model, all of India’s matches, including the semifinal and the upcoming final, have been scheduled at this single venue, while games not involving India have taken place across three venues in Pakistan.
As the final approaches, the debate over whether this venue consistency is an advantage or a mere coincidence continues to divide opinions.
