Pat Cummins highlights advantage for India at ICC Champions Trophy

Team India is dominating Group A with their enviable form in the currently ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. The revival of the marquee ODI event didn't materialize without a tussle. As the defending champions, Pakistan won the hosting rights, and a point of contention emerged. Concerned for its players' safety in the neighboring country, India refused to travel to Pakistan. After an extended clash, the tournament was finally decided to unfold as per the hybrid model. The PCB chose Dubai as the other venue, where India is now set to play all its fixtures, including the semi-final and final, if they make it to the ultimate stage. However, reiterating the same point as many, Australian skipper, Pat Cummins has expressed that the same venue gives India an edge in the competition.

"They look strong": Pat Cummins gives his two cents about India at the ICC Champions Trophy

After handing a 3-0 whitewash to England at home, India opened the ICC Champions Trophy with a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai. The ODI squad looks formidable, with captain Rohit Sharma reclaiming his form. Moreover, the biggest boost is the sublime form of vice-captain Shubman Gill, who has been impressively consistent in the format. The only element left in the perfect combination for them, the form of Virat Kohli, also arrived as the batter took guard against Pakistan in India's second group stage match. The India vs Pakistan clash witnessed Kohli notching his 51st ODI ton as India won the match by six wickets.

India now sits in a comfortable position in Group A with their last remaining clash against New Zealand. The two victories put India as a favorite for semi-final contention, while Pakistan relies on Bangladesh and their arch-rivals to kick out the Kiwis. However, going by the trend, India and New Zealand are the likely qualifiers from Group A. Meanwhile, Australian skipper Pat Cummins, who is not in action at the Champions Trophy due to injury, recently talked about the Men in Blue.

While acknowledging the form of the Indian team, Cummins reminded that playing all its fixtures at the same venue is an advantage. Summing up the tussle between India and Pakistan over the venue, Cummins noted that it is good that the argument saw a conclusion and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 launched into action. However, the hybrid model, which allows India to play all their matches in Dubai, is benefiting the Men in Blue.

“I think it's good that the tournament can go on, but obviously it does give them (India) a huge advantage playing on the same ground. They already look very strong, and they've got that obvious benefit of playing all their games there,” Cummins said in his latest interaction.

Australia, led by Steve Smith in the marquee event, meanwhile, scripted an impressive victory over England in their campaign opener. While they looked to miss their pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, the batting department paved the way for the win. A splendid century by Josh Inglis led Australia to chase 356, the highest successful chase in an ICC tournament. Their next match-up is against South Africa, who arrive following a 107-run victory against Afghanistan.