Cheteshwar Pujara dismisses claims of Dubai advantage, credits Team India's exceptional talent

India's journey to the Champions Trophy 2025 final has ignited a heated debate, as critics question the perceived advantage of playing all their matches at a single venue in Dubai. While other teams have had to adapt to different playing conditions by constantly traveling between Pakistan and the UAE, India has remained in the same city throughout the tournament.

This scheduling decision by the ICC has drawn criticism from pundits and former players, who argue that it has given Rohit Sharma’s men an undue edge in the tournament.

However, India's star Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara doesn't find merit in this argument. According to Pujara, the scheduling of the Champions Trophy had already been confirmed weeks before the tournament, and UAE was picked keeping in mind the logistical comfort.

“I don't think so. The schedule was out there before the Champions Trophy began, the reason for Indian team to not travel to Pakistan was the security. ICC and BCCI worked together to try and find a neutral venue. India have played against Pakistan at a neutral venue, and UAE is closer to Pakistan,” Pujara told RevSportz.

Advantage of ‘talent’

Pujara believes the one advantage India boast of is the talent that they have in the squad. The India batter highlighted the key difference between India and other teams, stating that the side boasts of four quality spinners, which gives it the edge.

“I don't think it's an unfair advantage. If India had lost, no one would've said they played in Dubai, that's why they lost. I don't think it's a home ground for India. The advantage for India is the kind of talent they have, the number of all-rounders they have,” said Pujara.

"We have Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, we have Kuldeep and Varun. We have four quality spinners. If we look at other teams, they have two, that's why they are struggling in UAE as well as Pakistan.

“I think we have the best balance, we have better all-rounders. We have Hardik, who is another all-rounder. Then, you have the top-order, and the batting. So, it's the balance of the Indian team which has made the side successful, rather than the venue.”

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