Ashwin responds to Dubai advantage criticism ahead of CT final
What's the story
Ravichandran Ashwin has hit back at the criticism aimed at the Indian cricket team for their matches being played in Dubai in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The tournament has been an epic bonanza for cricket fans but has also been marred by some controversy.
The final match between India and New Zealand will be played on Sunday, starting at 2:30pm IST.
Venue controversy
India and New Zealand to face off in final
Due to geopolitical tensions, India, led by Rohit Sharma, did not travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requested a neutral venue, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) obliged, choosing Dubai as the venue for all of India's matches.
This decision has drawn criticism from former and current players from other teams, who argue it gives India an unfair advantage.
Strong rebuttal
Ashwin defends India's performance
Responding to the criticism, Ashwin came to Team India's defense on his YouTube channel.
He noted that South Africa played all their matches at the same venue in the 2009 Champions Trophy and failed to qualify for the final.
"Let's accept that India have played class cricket and have reached the final due to top performances," he said, stressing India's skillful play, not any venue selection advantage.
Support from teammates
Pujara and Kotak also defend the team
Cheteshwar Pujara also dismissed concerns about India having an unfair advantage playing in Dubai, attributing their success to talent and all-rounders.
"If India had lost, no one would've said they played in Dubai, that's why they lost," he clarified.
Meanwhile, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak refuted claims of partiality ahead of the final match against New Zealand.
Gautam Gambhir echoed similar sentiments by highlighting that the conditions at the ICC Academy, where India practiced, are different from those at the Dubai International Stadium.