Rassie van der Dussen Calls Out India Advantage: Rassie van der Dussen Calls Out India Advantage: South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen has echoed a sentiment that many fans, ex-cricketers, and even Australia’s Pat Cummins have stated—that India have a massive advantage over other teams in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as they are playing all their matches in Dubai, including the knockouts.
India are slated to play all their games in the Champions Trophy in Dubai because the Indian government didn’t give them permission to travel to Pakistan, the hosts of the tournament.
Rohit Sharma’s side have qualified for the semi-finals from Group A, with wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh. New Zealand, who also beat Bangladesh and Pakistan, are the second team from Group A to enter the semis. From Group B, England are knocked out, while Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan are in the running for the two remaining places in the semi-finals.
India will play their semi-final on March 4 in Dubai, and also the final, on March 9, if they reach it.
Rassie van der Dussen Calls Out India Advantage
Currently in Karachi ahead of South Africa’s clash against England, van der Dussen commented on India’s schedule.
“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, and play in the same stadium on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage.”
The pressure would be on them to get it right: Rassie van der Dussen
The middle-order Protea batsman, however, also highlighted that since India have gotten this apparent advantage, the pressure would be on the Asian side to win the competition by using their edge.
“I don’t think you have to be a rocket scientist to know that. The onus would be on them to use that advantage. In a sense, it puts more pressure on them because whoever is going to play them in the semi or potentially the final is going to go there, and the conditions are going to be foreign, but they [India] are going to be used to it. The pressure would be on them to get it right because they have all that knowledge,” Rassie added.
India have one game left in the group stage—against New Zealand on March 2.
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