ICC Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma sets the record straight on India's advantage

There has been much discussion on the topic of India playing all its matches in Dubai at the ICC Champions Trophy. The who's who of the fraternity, from participating players to former legends, all have an opinion about the setting. Concerned for the security of its players, the BCCI sternly refused to send the team to Pakistan for the marquee tournament. After an elongated tussle, Dubai emerged as the venue to host all of India's fixtures, including the semi-final and final, if the team qualifies. However, the hybrid model of play has now been set as the target of the fraternity, who time and again are reminding everyone of the edge that the Men in Blue get in the competition. The Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, has weighed in on the debate now that India is set to play Australia in the semi-final at the same venue.

"It's no home to us": Rohit Sharma negates the advantage ahead of India vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy semi-final

Placed in Group A, India beat Bangladesh and the hosts, Pakistan, to qualify for the Champions Trophy semi-final. While India avoided any kind of travel, the group members, including the hosts, Pakistan, were required to travel to Dubai to play India in the championship. Noting the situation, many names in the fraternity, including Pat Cummins and Rassie van der Dussen, recounted that the Men in Blue have an edge in the tournament. Having played three matches at the same venue, India is said to be well acclimated to the conditions, whereas the opponents play their first in Dubai.

Now, after India beat New Zealand to top the Group A standings, Rohit Sharma has offered his two cents on the issue. The Indian skipper made it clear that it’s no home advantage for the team. Meanwhile, the opener explained that the matches are being played on different surfaces, and the team has no idea which pitch would host the next game. Moreover, the captain noted that in the three matches, Dubai has offered different conditions, with even swing playing a role in the low-scoring India vs New Zealand game.

"No, look, the three matches we played, the nature of the surface was the same. But in all three games, the pitch has behaved differently," Rohit said. "Today (Sunday), we saw that when the bowlers were bowling, their ball was seaming and swinging a little. We didn't see that in the first two games when our bowlers were bowling. And in the evening, it's a little cold in the air. So, there are obviously a lot of chances of that swing. We know this. But the three games we played, there are four or five surfaces that are being used," he added.

Topping Group A, India has set up the semi-final against Australia in Dubai. The first semi-final, scheduled for March 4, will be Australia's first game in Dubai. However, Rohit Sharma drew the line on the supposed advantage for India as they play their fourth game at the same venue. While the stadium remains the same, the Men in Blue don't know what the Dubai surface would offer in the knockout game against the Kangaroos.

"In the semi-final, we don't know which pitch is going to be played. Yes, we don't know which pitch is going to be played in the semi-final. But whatever happens, we have to adapt and see what is happening. We will play on that. This is not our home, this is Dubai. So, we don't play so many matches here. This is new for us too," he added.