Rohit Sharma Dismisses ‘Unfair Advantage’ Talk: ‘Dubai Conditions Are for Everyone’
2 months ago | 5 Views
Rohit Sharma has addressed the criticism suggesting that Team India is benefiting from an unfair 'advantage' in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by competing exclusively at the same venue. The Indian captain asserts that these claims are unfounded, as the playing conditions and pitches in Dubai vary significantly. The ICC altered the format of the Champions Trophy, which was originally intended to be held entirely in Pakistan, to a hybrid model, allowing India to play all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, including the semi-final and final, contingent upon their qualification.
Skepticism regarding this perceived 'advantage' has been voiced by Australia captain Pat Cummins, former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, as well as South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen. However, Rohit emphasizes that the pitches in Dubai do not exhibit uniform behavior, which can lead to unexpected challenges for Team India, despite the lack of travel between different cities or countries.
"Consider this: while the three matches we played had similar surface characteristics, each pitch exhibited distinct behavior. For instance, we observed that the bowlers experienced some swing today, which was not evident in the first two matches. Additionally, the cooler evening air contributes to the potential for swing. We are aware of these factors. However, across the three games, we have encountered four or five different surfaces, each with its own unique characteristics. We cannot predict which wicket we will be playing on," Rohit stated in anticipation of India's semifinal against Australia on Tuesday.
The playing surfaces may appear similar, yet the experience of batting on them varies significantly. Each pitch presents unique challenges due to its distinct characteristics, compelling us to evaluate the necessity of certain shots. During today's match, we observed some spin from the bowler, a contrast to the minimal spin experienced in the previous game. Each surface exhibits different behaviors, allowing us to anticipate certain outcomes while remaining uncertain about others. The presence of four or five different pitches adds to the complexity of our preparations.
'This is Dubai. This is not our home'
"This is Dubai. This is not our home." India's history in Dubai has been inconsistent. They secured victory in the 2018 Asia Cup under Rohit's leadership, defeating Bangladesh in the final, but they faced an early exit in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Clearly, this venue is not one where India frequently competes. As they approach the semi-final, India is confronted with a challenging decision between the in-form Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana, a choice complicated by the unpredictability of the pitch conditions on match day.
"In the semi-final, we are uncertain about which pitch will be in use. Indeed, we lack clarity regarding the pitch for the semi-final. Regardless of the circumstances, we must adapt and respond to the conditions presented. This is Dubai; it is not our home ground. Our experience here is limited, making this situation new for us as well," Rohit remarked.
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