Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand are gearing up for the crucial Champions Trophy encounter against mighty Team India. However, both New Zealand and India have already qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals, the key match will decide the other two opponents from Group B for Kiwis and Men in Blue for the knock out stage. Meanwhile, right ahead of the all-important clash, New Zealand's star Michael Bracewell was asked about if India have any undue advantage playing on the same venue throughout the Champions Trophy. The star spinner chose to avoid directly addressing the controversy surrounding India's perceived advantage in the Champions Trophy. Instead of commenting on the disparity in travel schedules, where India plays solely in Dubai while other teams navigate multiple Pakistani cities, Bracewell talked up his team's enthusiasm for experiencing diverse playing conditions. He stated that the Kiwis are looking forward to the challenge of adapting to different environments.
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Michael Bracewell's bold take on India's advantage in Champions Trophy
However, the debate over India's advantageous position continues to gain traction. Several prominent cricketers, including South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen and former Australian captain Pat Cummins, have openly expressed their views on the matter. They have acknowledged that India's consistent venue in Dubai provides them with a distinct advantage compared to other teams who are required to travel between various locations in Pakistan.
“Look, it is what it is. It’s been decided, and that’s the way it is, and there’s no point dwelling on that,” said Bracewell before the Champions Trophy clash against India.
“It’s part of what makes it exciting. I personally think it’s coming to a different ground and trying to figure out those different conditions. Yeah, not much more to say on that other than we’re excited to try and learn and play in different conditions,” Bracewell added.
India's consistent presence in Dubai throughout the Champions Trophy will continue as they face New Zealand in their final Group A match on Saturday. This game presents a stark contrast in travel schedules, as the New Zealand team will be arriving in the UAE after having played their previous two matches in Pakistan. The difference in travel burdens highlights the ongoing discussion about the tournament's scheduling and its potential impact on team performance.
“The wickets here have looked like they’ve taken a bit of a spin. So, it’ll be good to try and get used to the wickets as quickly as we can. We’ve obviously enjoyed the pitches in Pakistan. And I think we’ve got a pretty well-balanced side to play in any condition. So hopefully, we can continue to do that and adjust to what’s in front of us. I think that’s been the strength of our side, adjusting to the surface. So, hopefully, we continue to do that as a side,” Bracewell concluded.