Jason Gillespie shared his thoughts on the debate around the ‘unfair advantage’ for Team India in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Gillespie said that India have an advantage by playing at only one venue, which makes them familiar with the conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
India started their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with consecutive victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan within four days. They have already guaranteed themselves a place in the semi-finals ahead of their final group-stage clash against New Zealand, which is set to be played in Dubai on Sunday, March 2.
Team India to Play All Matches, Including Knockout Stage, in Dubai
The Rohit Sharma-led team received praise for their dominance in the Champions Trophy, but their scheduling advantage has drawn criticism from experts and fans. The tournament adopted a hybrid model due to their refusal to travel to Pakistan, with India playing all their matches exclusively in Dubai.
While other teams have had to travel between Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, India have stayed in Dubai. The team will play their semi-final match at the same venue. They will also play the final in Dubai if they qualify, which has led to concerns that the scheduling gives India an edge over their competitors.
India Have an Advantage Playing Only in Dubai – Jason Gillespie
In a conversation with The Times of India, Jason Gillespie acknowledged that India have an advantage in the Champions Trophy since they are playing all their matches in Dubai. He stated that India selected their squad based on this advantage, which sets them apart from other competitors.
“India have an advantage since playing only in Dubai makes them familiar with the wicket and conditions, and they have picked their squad accordingly. Secondly, yes, the Champions Trophy means a lot to players,” Gillespie told The Times of India.
India will play their semi-final match in the Champions Trophy in Dubai, regardless of whether they finish first or second in Group A. Although Pakistan is the official host of the tournament, the final will also take place in Dubai if India qualify for the title clash.
India Will Be Hard to Beat – Jason Gillespie
When asked about India being the favourites to win the Champions Trophy, Jason Gillespie said that the Men in Blue will be hard to beat. However, he stated that they will be wary of Australia as a major threat.
“They are already in the semis… India will be hard to beat. They will fear Australia, though!,” Jason Gillespie stated.
Other teams must travel across Pakistan and then to Dubai for their matches. The physical and mental toll of constant travel can impact player performance. Only India enjoys these advantages, while their competitors have to adjust to different venues and conditions.
From a cricketing perspective, India are now accustomed to the conditions, allowing them to field a settled playing XI. Other teams will face challenges in squad selection, transitioning from flat pitches in Pakistan to spin-friendly conditions in Dubai. India are playing in a “home away from home” conditions.
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