Rohit Sharma Responds to Claims of India’s Advantage in Dubai

Rohit Sharma Dismisses Home Advantage Claims Ahead of India vs Australia Semi-Final in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 “Rohit Sharma Responds to Claims of India’s Advantage in Dubai”

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has rejected claims that playing all matches in Dubai has given India an advantage in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Ahead of their semi-final clash against Australia on March 4, Rohit emphasized that the team has had to adapt to changing pitch conditions throughout the tournament.

India’s Stance on Playing in Dubai

Due to political tensions with Pakistan, India opted to play all their group-stage matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) instead of traveling to venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi like other teams. Despite winning all three group-stage games, Rohit dismissed the notion that India had a favorable advantage.

Pitch Conditions Are Not the Same

Speaking about playing in Dubai, Rohit clarified that despite the Venue’s consistency, the pitch conditions varied in every match.

“The three matches we played, the nature of the surface was the same. But in all three games, the pitch behaved differently,” Rohit stated.

With multiple wickets being used at the venue, Rohit stressed that every surface presents unique challenges. And making it difficult to predict playing conditions. He also highlighted that India does not play regularly in Dubai, making it an unfamiliar territory for them.

Australia’s History in Dubai

India faces a strong Australian team that has experience playing in Dubai. Australia’s last ODI at this venue was a 20-run win over Pakistan in 2019. While New Zealand played against India at the same ground during the group stage. South Africa, on the other hand, has not played an ODI in Dubai since 2013.

What Happens If India Wins?

If India defeats Australia, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will be held in Dubai. However, an Australian victory will shift the final to Lahore, where they will face either New Zealand or South Africa on March 9.

With the semi-final stage set, cricket fans eagerly await an intense battle between two cricketing powerhouses as India aims to continue its winning momentum in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.