India captain Rohit Sharma has responded to critics regarding the team playing all their Champions Trophy matches at a single venue in Dubai. Former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin suggests this arrangement puts additional pressure on India in their upcoming semi-final against Australia.
India’s decision not to tour Pakistan for the ICC tournament, citing political and security concerns, led to the Pakistan Cricket Board implementing a hybrid model. This resulted in Dubai being chosen as a neutral venue for all of India’s matches.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Many have pointed out that India have gained a clear advantage by playing in Dubai. They believe this eliminates travel complications and allows the team to become familiar with UAE conditions.
“India are in the unique position that they’ve played every game at the same venue, there is no grass in the square, it is dry. It suits India and I just think all the pressure is on them,” Haddin said on the Willow Talk podcast.
“They’ve got it set up, they’re playing great cricket but it’s a one-off shootout. Australia pride themselves on making sure they’re tournament play is spot-on and this is one of those games. And I don’t think there’s any pressure on the Australians at all. They’ve (India) had it all their own way and I can see – I don’t know whether it’s an upset – but I can see Australia beating India in these conditions. And I hope so, especially for where the tournament’s been.”
The upcoming match represents an opportunity for India to settle scores following their defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. However, Haddin believes India faces intense scrutiny if they fail to secure a victory.
“I think there’s a lot of pressure on India, with the way they’ve played their cricket since (coach) Gautam Gambhir has taken over,” he added. “They probably haven’t had the success or style of game that’s really been that attractive for the last six months. So I think the pressure is right on India to make a final. And I think if they don’t make the final, there will be a big reaction.”
