'To Throw Mud...' - Ravi Ashwin SLAMS Team India's 'Dubai Advantage' Talk Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 Final vs New Zealand

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: In a little more than 24 hours from now, Team India, led by Rohit Sharma , would take on New Zealand in the summit clash of CT 2025. Ahead of the game, there are plaudits and fans who claim that Team India have an undue advantage of playing in Dubai. 

As per the ‘hybrid’ model, India will be playing all it's matches in Dubai and this was agreed upon long back. Yet, there are detractors who are pointing fingers unnecessarily. While India head coach addressed this topic at a press conference recently, former India cricketer Ravi Ashwin has also waded in on this. 

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Admitting that he can only laugh at these questions directed at Rohit, Ashwin cited the example of South Africa in 2009 CT. He reminded all, that SA did not qualify for the summit clash despite playing all their games at the same venue. 

‘Can only laugh at the questions’

"I can only laugh at the questions directed at our captain, coaches in the press conference about 'home advantage'. In 2009 Champions Trophy, South Africa played all their matches at the same venue and they did not qualify for the final. It is not South Africa's fault that they did not qualify. Let's accept that India have played class cricket and have reached the final due to top performances. Last time India played in Dubai was during COVID. After that New Zealand, England, South Africa played in Dubai," Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“This narrative, there is one team which comes to India and lose 4-0 and then blame the pitch. To throw mud on our players, please don't go for that narrative. Even Indian people buying into that narrative is something I have an issue with. I still have I am having nerves. I am not having the greatest of feelings. After New Zealand's win against South Africa, I am feeling, ‘Once again can they hurt us," he added. 

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CT 2025 FINAL

In a little over 24 hours, Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, would take on New Zealand in the summit clash in Dubai. It promises to be nothing short of a humdinger in Dubai on March 9. The Men in Blue start slight favourites as they beat the Blackcaps in the group stage. But again, nothing can be guaranteed as it will be a new day and a new game.