Legendary pacer Jason Gillespie has weighed in on the ongoing discussion around the perceived 'unfair advantage' for Team India in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. Gillespie said that India benefits from playing all their matches at a single venue, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which allows them to develop a deep familiarity with the local conditions.
India are on song in the Champions Trophy as they already qualified for the semifinals riding on their back-to-back wins in their first two matches. Rohit Sharma's brigade first gunned down Bangladesh and then followed it up with a convincing win over arch-rivals Pakistan. They now set their sights on their final group-stage match against New Zealand which is scheduled to be played on March 2 on the same venue. While the Rohit Sharma-led team has been lauded for their dominant performance, the tournament's scheduling attracted criticism from cricket pundits and fans alike. This criticism stems from the tournament's hybrid format, necessitated by India's decision not to travel to Pakistan, which resulted in all of India's matches being played exclusively in Dubai.
While other participating teams have been required to navigate between Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, India has enjoyed the stability of remaining solely in Dubai. This consistent location extends to their semi-final match, and should they advance, the final as well. This scheduling has raised concerns that it provides India with a distinct advantage over their rivals, who must contend with the added strain of travel.
India will fear Australia in Champions Trophy: Jason Gillespie
Meanwhile, former Australia speedster drew everyone's attention towards India's advantageous position in the Champions Trophy, attributing it to their exclusive gameplay in Dubai. He further pointed out that India's team selection was likely influenced by this home-venue advantage, giving them a strategic edge that other teams do not possess.
"India have an advantage since playing only in Dubai makes them familiar with the wicket and conditions, and they have picked their squad accordingly. Secondly, yes, the Champions Trophy means a lot to players," Gillespie told The Times of India.
Regardless of their final standing in Group A, India's semi-final match in the Champions Trophy will take place in Dubai.
This consistent venue advantage extends to the potential final, as even though Pakistan is the designated host of the tournament, the title clash will be held in Dubai should India qualify. This arrangement further reinforces the perception of India's favorable scheduling
When questioned about India's status as favorites to win the Champions Trophy, Jason Gillespie acknowledged their formidable strength, stating that they will be a difficult team to defeat. However, he also revealed India will fear Australia and they will need need to be wary of Steve Smith's brigade's capabilities.
"They are already in the semis... India will be hard to beat. They will fear Australia, though!," Gillespie concluded.