Image: Rassie van der Dussen maintains that India have gained a big advantage in CT / © ESPNcricinfo
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 underway, India has dominated Group A with convincing six-wicket victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dubai. However, concerns have been raised about India playing all their matches at a single venue due to a hybrid model, as the BCCI refused to travel to Pakistan for security reasons. This decision has sparked discussions about India gaining an advantage by getting accustomed to Dubai’s conditions.
South African batter Rassie van der Dussen acknowledged India’s advantage, pointing out that staying in one hotel, practicing in familiar facilities, and playing on the same pitches provide consistency. However, he also noted that the added familiarity puts pressure on India to capitalize on it. He said:
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. I don’t think you have to be a rocket scientist to know that. The onus would be on them to use that advantage.
Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed downplayed the advantage, stating that India’s success wasn’t solely due to venue familiarity.
Meanwhile, South Africa leads Group B with three points from two games and will face England on March 1 in Karachi. If they qualify for the semifinals, they could face India in Dubai on March 4 or New Zealand in Lahore on March 5. Van der Dussen personally prefers playing in Lahore due to its high-scoring nature but remains prepared for any scenario.