The ICC Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand is set to take place in Dubai, with India entering undefeated while New Zealand’s sole loss was against India. India’s success has sparked debate over an “undue advantage” due to playing all matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, unlike other teams that traveled to multiple venues. Team India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed this notion, stating that the conditions were established prior to the tournament and emphasized the importance of playing good cricket. He argued that any complaints about advantages arose only after India’s successful run in the tournament.
Only two days are left until the ICC Champions Trophy final featuring India and New Zealand kicks off in Dubai. The Indian squad enters this title match undefeated, while New Zealand’s sole defeat happened against India, their final opponents. Although India has exhibited remarkable cricketing prowess to reach this stage, a significant portion of the praise for their success so far is attributed to the Dubai venue.
Unlike other teams participating in the Champions Trophy, India has played all of its games at a single location—the Dubai International Cricket Stadium—while other teams were required to travel to several cities. This has led many to claim that the Indian team possesses an ‘unfair advantage’ compared to their rivals in the tournament.
However, Team India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, dismissed these claims during a press conference on Friday, stating that the conditions in Dubai have not changed since the Champions Trophy draw was conducted.
“I don’t see what advantage there is or what benefit we’ve received. There is no such thing as an advantage. The draw was made quite some time ago. Now that India has won four matches, people feel we have been given some boost,” Kotak told reporters in Dubai.
“I’m not sure how to address this. Ultimately, you have to play cricket well. If you’re not performing, you cannot voice complaints. If you play well, there’s no point in claiming there was an advantage. We are training here and playing matches here. Naturally, the pitches vary. That’s the nature of the draw. Nothing can be altered. Conditions weren’t modified upon our arrival,” he added.
For Kotak, the formula for winning is straightforward: play good cricket. Those who have fallen short must now express their grievances.
“I really don’t understand what advantage people are referring to. The draw for the tournament was established from the outset, and nothing has altered. If folks think this way after our advancement to the final, that’s simply how it is. We have followed the draw and there is no advantage. To win, one must play quality cricket,” he commented.
Topics mentioned in this article