The former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his amusement over claims that the Indian team enjoys an unfair advantage in the Champions Trophy because of playing all their matches in Dubai. He believes that tournaments are won through performances, not by making excuses about conditions or venues.
Many experts, teams and fans have raised concerns about India benefitting from playing at the same venue. However, Ashwin countered this argument by citing South Africa’s experience in the 2009 Champions Trophy, where they played all their matches at a single venue but failed to qualify further in the tournament.
He also pointed out that India last played ODIs in the UAE before the COVID-19 pandemic, dismissing the notion that they have any undue familiarity with the conditions.
India remains unbeaten in Dubai, having previously clinched the 2018 Asia Cup and now maintaining a flawless record in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Addressing criticism from opposing teams, Ashwin remarked that some teams frequently blame external factors after losses rather than analysing their own performance. He emphasised that rather than attributing results to pitch conditions or venue advantages, teams should focus on their own gameplay and improve it.
R Ashwin also defended Indian cricket’s reputation, stating that the team has earned respect through its performances rather than narratives pushed by others.
He highlighted New Zealand as an example of a team that, despite having traveled extensively for around 7000 km during the tournament, has not complained about the scheduling. He expressed confidence that if New Zealand were to win or lose the final, their players would credit India’s performance rather than resorting to excuses, which is why they are respected globally.
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