Gautam Gambhir vs. Mohammed Shami: India’s strong performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has led to discussions about whether playing all their matches in Dubai has given them an advantage. The Men in Blue reached the final after a thrilling four-wicket win over Australia, with Mohammed Shami taking 3/48 and Virat Kohli scoring an impressive 84 runs.
Mohammed Shami vs. Gautam Gambhir: Differing Views on Playing in Dubai
After the match, different statements from the Indian team caught attention. Mohammed Shami recently said that playing all their matches in Dubai helped the team get used to the conditions. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly denied that his team had any advantage from this.
Shami and Gambhir’s differing opinions have sparked speculation about whether they are not in agreement or if there’s a problem within the Indian team ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, which will take place on March 9 in Dubai.
Aakash Chopra’s Key Takeaways: Conditions, Player Selection, and Winning Streak
Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on Shami and Gambhir’s differing statements. He pointed out that playing at the same venue doesn’t guarantee a win, but he acknowledged that it does help teams get comfortable with the conditions.
Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “Mohammed Shami is saying that they have an advantage of playing in Dubai. Gautam Gambhir is saying, ‘What advantage? You just keep cribbing in life; look ahead.’ However, who is saying the right thing? Is there an actual advantage or not? We are playing all our matches in Dubai.”
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However, the commentator acknowledged that travel can lead to fatigue, but it doesn’t have a major impact on winning or losing an international match. Chopra also mentioned that staying in one place might not be a big advantage, but it definitely helps teams understand the conditions better and select the right players.
The former Indian cricketer said, “There are two aspects to it. One is the problem because of travel. Is it a problem? I won’t say that you lose only because you have had to travel more. I am not denying that there is fatigue, but it’s not make or break.”
“You are playing international cricket. Being in one place is not much of an advantage, but there is an advantage because of the conditions. These conditions are suiting you. You can choose your 11 or 15 according to that.”
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Ahead of the final, India’s so-called “home advantage” in Dubai continues to be a hot topic. However, the real challenge is whether the Men in Blue can keep their winning streak going when it counts the most. Chopra, in his usual style, said that when “Krishna is on their side,” there’s no need to worry.
However, the cricket expert stated that the right player selection will be a key factor in determining the winner of the title. He said:
“Mahabharat taught us one thing. If Krishna is on your side, that’s it; it’s over. The right selection is extremely important.”
