Team India’s vice-captain, Shubman Gill, has provided his insights regarding the pitch conditions in Dubai ahead of the crucial Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. This highly anticipated match is set to take place on the same surface where India previously triumphed over their long-standing rivals, Pakistan, during the group stage. In that encounter, Pakistan faced difficulties and managed to score only 241 runs after choosing to bat first.

Recently appointed as vice-captain, Shubman addressed the pitch conditions for the final, noting that a score of 300 runs has yet to be achieved in Dubai.

"I do not anticipate any significant changes in the wicket's behavior. We have not witnessed a score of 300 here thus far, and I believe that, regardless of the weather conditions, the pitch will remain consistent with what we have experienced," Shubman remarked during the press conference held on the eve of the Champions Trophy final.

The 25-year-old expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Indian batting and bowling units to secure favorable outcomes on the challenging Dubai pitch.

"I believe our team possesses a solid understanding of how to perform effectively on such wickets and how to bowl under those conditions," he concluded.

'I don't play any shots which are preplanned': Shubman Gill

The skilled opener, currently holding the top position as the number one ranked ODI batter, shared insights regarding his batting strategy. The Indian team has embraced an aggressive style at the beginning of their innings during the powerplay.

"I honestly don't really think about that; I need to take more risks or I need to take fewer risks. It's about being in my zone and making calculated decisions, which I believe is the essence of my game. I take risks at the appropriate moments when I sense the bowler is under pressure, and much of my batting is instinctual. I do not engage in pre-planning or execute any shots that are predetermined," he remarked.

Shubman commenced the Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a century against Bangladesh and displayed impressive form against Pakistan, indicating his comfort with the conditions of Dubai's pitch.

He emphasized that while batting, his main objective is to provide the bowlers with an additional buffer of 15-20 runs.

"When playing on a particular wicket, you develop a sense of the target you aim to achieve, and then you add 15-20 runs to create that extra cushion for the bowlers. That is my focus when I am at the crease," he concluded.

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