India's journey to the Champions Trophy 2025 final has ignited considerable discussion, with numerous observers questioning the benefits of competing exclusively at a single location in Dubai. In contrast to other teams that have had to adapt to diverse conditions while frequently traveling between Pakistan and the UAE, India has remained in one city.

This scheduling choice by the ICC has faced criticism from analysts and former players, who contend that it has provided Rohit Sharma’s team with an unfair advantage in the tournament.

Nevertheless, India's prominent Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara dismisses this viewpoint. He asserts that the Champions Trophy schedule was established weeks prior to the tournament, and the UAE was selected for its logistical convenience.

“I don't believe that is the case. The schedule was published before the Champions Trophy commenced, and the Indian team's decision not to travel to Pakistan was due to security concerns. The ICC and BCCI collaborated to identify a neutral venue. India has previously faced Pakistan at a neutral site, and the UAE is geographically closer to Pakistan,” Pujara stated in an interview with RevSportz.

Advantage of ‘talent’

Pujara emphasizes that India's primary advantage lies in the talent within their squad. He pointed out a significant distinction between India and other teams, noting that India possesses four high-quality spinners, which provides them with a competitive edge.

“I do not consider it an unfair advantage. Had India lost, no one would have attributed the defeat to playing in Dubai. I do not see it as a home ground for India. The true advantage for India is the exceptional talent they possess, particularly the number of all-rounders,” Pujara remarked.

"We have Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, along with Kuldeep and Varun. Our team features four quality spinners. In comparison, other teams typically have only two, which is why they are facing challenges in both the UAE and Pakistan."

“I think we have the best balance, we have better all-rounders. We have Hardik, who is another all-rounder. Then, you have the top-order and the batting. So, it's the balance of the Indian team which has made the side successful, rather than the venue.”

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