As India prepares to face Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday, captain Rohit Sharma has firmly rejected suggestions that playing all of their matches in Dubai gives his side an unfair advantage.
India, who opted not to play in Pakistan due to political tensions, have remained in the United Arab Emirates for the duration of the tournament, while other teams have navigated matches across Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. With a 100% record in the group stage, India has looked at ease in Dubai, but Rohit insists that familiarity has not made conditions easier for his team.
"The three matches we played, the nature of the surface was the same. But in all three games, the pitch has behaved differently," Rohit explained ahead of the crucial clash. "There are four or five surfaces that are being used. So, every surface has a different nature. We don't know which wicket will be played. The pitches look the same, but when you play on it, it’s played in a different way."
India boasts an impressive record in Dubai, winning eight of their last nine ODIs at the venue. However, Rohit emphasized that his squad is also adapting to the conditions like everyone else.
"This is not our home, this is Dubai. We don’t play so many matches here. This is new for us too," he added.
While India remains unbeaten in the tournament, Australia will present their toughest test yet. The Australians have not played an ODI in Dubai since their 20-run victory over Pakistan in 2019, while New Zealand and South Africa—the other semi-finalists—have had limited recent experience at the venue. South Africa last played an ODI in Dubai over a decade ago, suffering a defeat to Pakistan in 2013.
The outcome of Tuesday’s semi-final will also determine the location of the Champions Trophy final. Should India advance, Dubai will host the title match on Sunday, but if Australia prevails, the final will be held in Lahore.
Live ball-by-ball radio coverage of the semi-finals, alongside full text commentary and match clips, will be available on the BBC Sport website and app.
With India aiming for their first Champions Trophy title since 2013, all eyes will be on Dubai as Rohit Sharma’s men look to prove that success isn’t about home advantage—it’s about adaptability and execution.
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