Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir Reject Claims of “Advantage” in Dubai; Mohammed Shami Offers a Different Perspective
India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir have strongly dismissed claims that India has an undue advantage in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by playing all their matches at Dubai International Stadium. Critics, including former cricketers, argue that India’s fixed venue under the hybrid hosting model allows them to acclimatize better to conditions, unlike other teams traveling between venues in Pakistan.
Rohit emphasized that Dubai is not India’s home venue and pointed out the varying pitch behaviors across matches. “This is not our home; this is Dubai. Every game has presented different challenges, and we’ve had to adapt,” he said. Gambhir echoed these sentiments, calling the claims baseless and accusing critics of “perpetual cribbing.”
However, India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Shami offered a contrasting view, acknowledging that playing all matches at one venue has helped the team. “It’s definitely a plus point. Knowing the pitch behavior and conditions has given us an edge,” said Shami, who is India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament with eight scalps from four games.
India’s matches were shifted to Dubai due to geopolitical tensions with host nation Pakistan. While debates continue, India’s unbeaten run in the tournament suggests their adaptability and skill have been key to their success.