Rohit Sharma Dismisses Unfair Advantage Claims at Champions Trophy 2025
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has firmly dismissed allegations that his team benefited from an unfair advantage by playing all their matches at the same venue in Dubai during the Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking to the press, Sharma addressed concerns raised by former cricketers, including England’s Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, as well as ex-Pakistan players, who suggested that India’s lack of travel gave them a competitive edge. However, the Indian skipper provided a detailed explanation of why the conditions in Dubai posed unique challenges and refuted any claims of favoritism.
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Addressing the Venue Controversy
A major point of contention among cricket analysts and fans has been India’s ability to play all their group-stage matches in Dubai, while other teams had to travel between venues. Critics argued that this not only allowed India to avoid travel fatigue but also gave them the luxury of familiarizing themselves with the playing conditions more than other teams. However, Rohit Sharma was quick to dismiss these claims, emphasizing that every pitch played differently despite being at the same stadium.
“In the three matches we’ve played so far, the pitches may appear similar, but they have behaved differently each time,” Sharma explained. “As for the semi-final, we have no idea which surface will be used. But regardless of the conditions, our approach remains the same—we must adapt to the situation. This isn’t our home ground; it’s Dubai, and we don’t play here often. So, it’s new for us as well.”
Pitch Conditions in Dubai: A Unique Challenge
Rohit went on to elaborate on the variations in pitch behavior across different games. While some may assume that playing multiple matches at the same venue provides an inherent advantage, he pointed out that Dubai’s surfaces have been unpredictable throughout the tournament.
“The bowlers got some seam and swing today, unlike the first two games. The cooler evening air could be a factor in creating those conditions,” Rohit noted, highlighting the impact of environmental changes on gameplay. “We have played on different surfaces here, and each has presented a unique challenge.”
In their group-stage matches, India dominated Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand, securing a semi-final spot with ease. However, Rohit stressed that these victories were not the result of a familiar pitch but rather the team’s adaptability to different conditions.
“In the first game, the pitch was slow, and shot-making was difficult. In the second game, the ball came onto the bat much better, and the pacers didn’t get as much movement. Today, we saw the bowlers getting seam and swing, which wasn’t there before. These factors make a huge difference in how a team approaches the game.”
He further mentioned that even the batting conditions changed from match to match. “The pitches may look alike, but once the game begins, they play differently. That’s why we can’t assume that it will work today just because we played a certain way yesterday. Every surface demands a different approach from the batter. It’s about making the right decisions based on how the pitch behaves.”
Spin and Pace Variations in Dubai
Another key factor Rohit highlighted was how the pitch conditions affected both spin and pace bowling. Many critics suggested that India, with its strong spin attack, had the upper hand in Dubai. However, Rohit explained that the wickets did not always favor spinners, further negating the notion of an advantage.
“We saw some turn today, whereas, in the last game, there wasn’t much spin at all. Each surface offers something different, and even for us, there is some uncertainty about what to expect because multiple pitches are being used in this tournament,” he said.
This unpredictability meant that India’s bowlers had to constantly reassess their strategies. “One day, you think the pitch will help the spinners, but then it turns out to be a batting-friendly track with little turn.
On another day, the ball grips the surface, and spinners suddenly become a threat. There’s no fixed pattern here, and that makes it challenging for everyone.”
Rohit also pointed out how pacers had to adjust their lengths and speeds based on how each pitch behaved. “Our fast bowlers found movement under lights today, which we didn’t see in the first two matches. Whether it’s due to the cooler conditions or slight changes in pitch preparation, it’s something we have to deal with on the field.”
The Travel Factor: Did India Benefit?
Another major talking point has been the travel schedule of teams in the tournament. Australia and South Africa traveled to Dubai before their final Group A match, unsure of who their semi-final opponents would be. South Africa later returned to Lahore, while New Zealand departed for home. This led to concerns that India had an unfair advantage by avoiding travel fatigue.
However, Rohit reminded critics that all teams had agreed to the hybrid model before the tournament’s schedule was finalized. “Everyone knew the schedule beforehand. It’s not something that was decided midway through the tournament,” he stated.
He further emphasized that travel fatigue was only one aspect of preparation, and the conditions on match day played a bigger role. “Yes, we didn’t have to travel, but that doesn’t mean we had it easy. We had to play in different conditions within the same venue. Our team’s success wasn’t due to avoiding travel—it was about how we adapted to different challenges.”
India’s Approach Moving Forward
Looking ahead to the semi-finals, Rohit reiterated that India’s focus would remain on adapting to whatever conditions they faced. Despite external noise about an unfair advantage, the team’s mindset would not change.
“As for the semi-final, we have no idea which surface will be used. But our approach remains the same—we must adapt to the situation,” he stated.
He stressed that preparation and execution were more important than external factors. “At the end of the day, it’s about playing smart cricket. We can talk about conditions, venues, and schedules, but once the game starts, it’s about decision-making, adaptability, and skill.”
India’s dominant performance in the group stage has made them one of the favorites for the title, but Rohit remains grounded. “Every match is different. What we did in the last three games doesn’t guarantee success in the next one. We respect our opponents and know that any team can win on their day. Our job is to be as prepared as possible and perform when it matters.”
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Final Thoughts
Rohit Sharma’s response to the criticism was measured and logical. While some may continue to argue about India’s supposed advantage, his detailed breakdown of pitch conditions and match-day variables made it clear that playing in Dubai did not guarantee success. Instead, India’s ability to adapt and execute their plans effectively has been the key factor in their success so far.
With the semi-finals approaching, India’s real test will be maintaining their momentum and overcoming any new challenges that arise. Regardless of external opinions, Rohit Sharma and his team remain focused on one goal—lifting the Champions Trophy in 2025.
