Vikrant Gupta admits India’s Dubai 'advantage' in Champions Trophy 2025

Vikrant Gupta says India has an advantage in Dubai but Pakistan’s conditions may have suited their batters better.

India’s uninterrupted stay in Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy has drawn mixed reactions, with many calling it an 'unfair advantage' for Rohit Sharma's men.

Veteran journalist Vikrant Gupta highlighted the benefits India enjoys by playing all their matches at one venue. “There is an advantage that India has. India don’t have to travel," Gupta said.

Whichever team comes to play against India in Dubai will be playing their first game. For India, it will be the first, second, third, fourth, or even fifth match (if they reach the final),” he said.

However, Gupta also suggested that playing in Pakistan might have been more favourable for India’s batters. “If India had played here [in Pakistan], these conditions would’ve suited India more. Indian batsmen maybe would’ve thrived."

Gupta explained "Indian stroke players love quick outfields, where the ball comes onto the bat. Conditions in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi are very similar to Indian surfaces. Dubai’s surface is a bit tricky, where Indian batsmen would’ve had to adjust.”

 

 

 

 

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South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen shared a similar view, acknowledging India’s familiarity with Dubai as an advantage. “If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practise in the same facilities, and play on the same pitches, it’s definitely an advantage,” he said.

However, he noted that India’s knowledge of the conditions also brings pressure to perform, especially in the knockout stages.

Pakistan’s interim head coach Aaqib Javed agreed that India benefits from the scheduling but dismissed it as the reason for Pakistan's elimination. “They are playing only in Dubai for a reason. Definitely, staying in one hotel and playing on one ground is an advantage. But we didn’t lose because of that,” he said.

India have already secured a semi-final spot after wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan. They face New Zealand on 2 March to determine their Group A standing, with their semi-final scheduled for 4 March against the second-placed team from Group B.

If India wins their semi-final clash, Dubai will also host the ICC Champions Trophy final on 9 March.

Debate continues over whether India’s conditions will work in their favour or add to the pressure as they chase the title.