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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked discussions beyond the boundary ropes, with South African batter Rassie van der Dussen shedding light on a significant edge India holds in the tournament. With all their matches scheduled at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium under a hybrid hosting model, India’s consistent b꧋ase has become a talking point. Van der Dussen, speaking candidly, emphasized how this setup favors the Indian team, placing additional pressure on them to deliver in the knockout stages.
Rassie van der Dussen on how India’s stable base in Dubai give them an advantage
Van der Dussen didn’t mince words when addressing India’s unique position in the tournament. Notably, unlike other teams, India have avoided the logistical hurdles of inter-city or inter-country travel. Following their refusal to tour Pakistan—the original host of the Champions Trophy—India’s matches were shifted to Dubai under an agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This decision has allowed Rohit Sharma‘s squad to settle into a routine, training at familiar facilities and adapting to consistent pitch conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. For a team known for its adaptability, this stability could prove to be a game-changer.
“It’s definitely an advantage. I saw that Pakistan was commenting about it, but it’s definitely an advantage. If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practise in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The South African cricketer drove his point home with a touch of humor, stating: “I don’t think you have to be a rocket scientist to know that.” His statement underscores the simplicity of the advantage—staying put in one location eliminates the fatigue and uncertainty that come with travel and acclimatization. While teams like South Africa, Pakistan, and others shuttle between venues such as Karachi and Lahore in Pakistan, India’s players can focus solely on their game plan, honing their skills on a single set of pitches they’ve come to know intimately.
Thought, this isn’t the first time the hybrid model has stirred debate. Pakistan, in particular, have voiced concerns over the arrangement, with their players facing the dual challenge of hosting matches at home while adapting to a neutral venue like Dubai for potential knockout clashes against India. Van der Dussen’s comments echo these sentiments, spotlighting a disparity that could influence the tournament’s outcome.
Also READ: Here’s how Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan can qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi final
Pressure on India to capitalize in knockouts
Van der Dussen emphasized that while India benefits from playing all their matches in Dubai, this advantage also comes with added pressure. Since their semi-final or potential final opponents would be unfamiliar with the conditions, India, having already adapted to the pitch and environment, will be expected to capitalize on this familiarity. Failing to do so would be seen as a wasted🐓 opportunity, making their performance in the knockout stages even more scrutinized.
“The onus would be on them to use that advantage. In a sense, it puts more pressure on them because whoever is going to play them in the semi or potentially the final is going to go there and the conditions are going to be foreign, but they [India] are going to be used to it,” added Van der Dussen.
