South African batter Rassie van der Dussen acknowledged India’s significant advantage in the Champions Trophy due to their consistent presence in Dubai, where all their matches are played. He noted that while it benefits India to train and compete in familiar conditions, it also increases the pressure on them to succeed. India has comfortably won both of their games so far, securing a semifinal spot. Van der Dussen expressed a preference for playing in Lahore over Dubai due to the pitch conditions but emphasized that the team’s readiness remains constant as they await their potential semifinal match against India or New Zealand.
South African top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen remarked that one doesn’t “have to be a rocket scientist to know” that India is “definitely” at an advantage being based in Dubai for the ongoing Champions Trophy. However, their familiarity with the conditions could also place added pressure on them to fully leverage it. Rohit Sharma’s squad is participating in all their matches in Dubai, and the final will also be held there if the team progresses, while the other teams have to travel across Pakistan for their games.
“It’s undoubtedly an advantage. I noticed Pakistan mentioning it, but it’s definitely an advantage. If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practice in the same facilities, and play in the same stadium on the same pitches every time, it’s clearly an advantage,” van der Dussen was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
South Africa will face England in their final group match on Friday.
“I don’t think you need to be a rocket scientist to recognize that. The responsibility lies with them to make the most of that advantage,” van der Dussen added.
“In a way, it increases the pressure on them because whoever faces them in the semi-final or potentially the final will be playing in conditions they are less familiar with, while India will be accustomed to it. The onus is on them to perform well, given their extensive knowledge.” India has comfortably won both of their matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan so far and is through to the semifinals on March 4, which will be held in Dubai. Their final group match is set for Sunday against New Zealand, a team that has played its matches in Pakistan, also winning both against the home side and Bangladesh.
Currently, South Africa leads the Group B standings with three points from two matches, and if they maintain their form, they could travel to Dubai for a Champions Trophy semi-final or final.
If they qualify for the semifinals, South Africa will either face India in Dubai on Tuesday or New Zealand in Lahore on Wednesday.
Van der Dussen expressed a personal preference for the game in Lahore but indicated that the team would be prepared for either scenario.
“If it’s a matter of personal preference, I would choose to play in Lahore because it’s a great place to bat. The Dubai pitch doesn’t produce as high a score as Lahore, but I don’t believe it matters significantly,” he stated.
“Logistically, it would probably be easier to play in Lahore since there’s no need for an international flight to Dubai, which requires traveling to another country. Lahore is not too far from our current location, so the conditions are quite similar. Ultimately, we won’t know what happens until Saturday evening.” Former Australia captain Pat Cummins, who is absent from the tournament due to an ankle injury, also mentioned that India holds a “huge advantage” being situated in Dubai.
After a disappointing campaign, Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed acknowledged the situation before downplaying claims that India had a significant upper hand from the beginning.
“See, they are in Dubai for a reason,” Aaqib stated. “If they are playing in Dubai for a reason, then definitely playing on the same pitch or ground gives them an advantage.
“However, we are not losing solely because they have the advantage of the same hotel and pitch (laughs). It’s not just about the pitch, nor have they played a massive number of matches there.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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