Mohammed Shami and Gautam Gambhir Clash Over India’s Dubai Advantage Controversy!

After reaching the Finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India’s dominance in Dubai has sparked debates over a supposed home advantage. In the semi-final, India defeated Australia by four wickets, led by Mohammed Shami’s 3/48 spell and Virat Kohli’s match-winning 84-run knock. However, discussions arose regarding India playing all their matches at Dubai International Stadium, with Shami acknowledging the benefits of familiarity while head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed the claims.

Shami stated that playing at a single venue allowed India to understand the pitch better, giving them a strategic edge. He said:

It definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch. It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue.

In contrast, Gambhir refuted these claims, emphasizing that India did not even practice at the stadium and trained instead at the ICC Academy, where conditions were vastly different. Aakash Chopra also weighed in, explaining that while constant travel affects teams, pitch familiarity aids in team selection. Gambhir said:

There’s a lot of debate about the undue advantage and all that. What undue advantage? We haven’t practiced here even for a day. We’re practicing at the ICC Academy. And the conditions there and here are 180 degrees different.

Now, India will face New Zealand in the final on March 9, a team they previously defeated in the group stage. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, both in great form, will be key threats. As the cricketing world debates the “Dubai advantage”, India remains focused on securing another ICC trophy.