Updated 7 March 2025 at 22:35 IST
'If You Don't Play Well, You Can't Complain': India Coach Reacts To Pitch Advantage Debate With A Strong Response
Indian Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak has responded to the criticism directed at Team India for having the pitch advantage in Dubai for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has spoken out over the criticism that the Men in Blue have received for their extended stay in Dubai for the Champions Trophy 2025. The former Saurashtra cricketer has pointed out that they do not possess any edge in the competition and that the critics ignited after their continuous wins in the marquee ICC tournament.
India Coach Hits Back On The Pitch Advantage Detractors
Team India has been in spectacular form in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 as they have remained undefeated in the competition. However, the Indian side has been accused of having the advantage of being in the same city for the marquee ICC tournament, while other teams had to travel to various regions to participate in competitions. Critics have called out the Indian side over the undue advantage, but India coach Sitanshu Kotak has fired back at the critics by saying that they have had no advantage.
“I don't understand what advantage we get from this (pitch). People feel that India got an advantage after we won the matches. I don’t know what to say about that. We just played to the draw. I think in a game, you have to play good cricket every day when you turn up. If you don't play well, then you can't complain. And if you play well, there is no point in saying whether you got an advantage or not.
"I don't really think we have an advantage just because we are practicing here and we are playing matches here,” Coach Sitanshu Kotak said while speaking to the reporters during Team India’s net session in Dubai.
He added that they have been playing in the Dubai Stadium but are practising some place else, and both the tracks have been vastly different.
Does India Gain Any Edge Over NZ? Sitanshu Kotak Responds
Further speaking to the media, Kotak opened up about the upcoming IND vs NZ clash, where he opined that even though the Men in Blue beat the Kiwis a few days back, India possessed no psychological edge while heading into the competition.
“I think we should not think like that. We should just try and turn up and play a good game of cricket. There is no point in thinking about the last match. We have to think on what to do on the 9th,” the India batting coach added.
All eyes are now on the Champions Trophy 2025 final, with India and New Zealand securing their position in the final. Expect it to be a thrilling encounter on Sunday when the Rohit Sharma-led side would lock horns for the title against the Blackcaps. The match will take place at the Dubai International Stadium on 09th March 2025.
Published By : Pavitra Shome
Published On: 7 March 2025 at 22:35 IST