India’s Advantage in the Champions Trophy: Mohammed Shami Speaks Out
India’s pace spearhead, Mohammed Shami, has openly acknowledged the advantage of playing all their Champions Trophy 2025 matches at one venue. His statement comes after he played a crucial role in India’s four-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-final held in Dubai.
Shami’s impressive spell of 3-48 helped restrict Australia, setting up a comfortable chase for the Indian side. The debate over India’s exclusive play at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium has intensified, with critics questioning the fairness of the arrangement.
India’s Stand on Venue Controversy
India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, the official host of the tournament, led to their matches being scheduled solely in Dubai. This move has been met with criticism, with concerns that India has had an unfair home-like advantage. Meanwhile, the other seven teams have been forced to travel across three Pakistani cities and the UAE, facing logistical and acclimatization challenges.
However, India’s coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed these criticisms, asserting that the team’s performance and consistency were key to their success.
Mohammed Shami’s Admission
After the semi-final win over Australia, Shami candidly admitted:
“It definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch. It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue.”
This straightforward acknowledgment stands in contrast to the defensive stance taken by team officials and coaching staff.
India’s Unbeaten Streak in Dubai
India’s decision to play all their games in Dubai has yielded impressive results:
- Unbeaten streak: India has now won nine out of ten ODIs played at the venue.
- Consistent conditions: Players have adapted well to the pitch behaviour and climatic conditions.
- Less travel fatigue: Unlike other teams, India has been spared from traveling between different venues, keeping them fresh for every match.
Tournament’s Hybrid Model: A Major Challenge for Other Teams
The hybrid model introduced for the Champions Trophy has presented severe logistical hurdles. One prime example was South Africa, who had to travel to Dubai, only to return to Pakistan without playing a match, a decision that has left many questioning the tournament’s structuring.
Shami’s Call for Saliva Ban Reversal
Apart from venue debates, Shami raised another critical issue—the ban on saliva usage for ball maintenance.
The Impact of the Saliva Ban on Reverse Swing
- Why is saliva crucial? It helps maintain one side of the ball shiny, assisting in reverse swing.
- Current regulations: The ICC made the ban on saliva permanent in 2022, citing health concerns following the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Shami’s appeal:
“We are trying to reverse, but you are not getting the use of saliva into the game. We are constantly appealing to allow the use of saliva, and it will be interesting with the reverse swing.”
Shami believes that allowing saliva would benefit fast bowlers, giving them more control over late swing deliveries in ODIs.
Shami’s Fitness: A Key Factor for India’s Success
At 34, Shami has been in stellar form, having delivered match-winning performances throughout the tournament.
Shami’s Performance in Champions Trophy 2025
- Five-wicket haul in the opening game against Bangladesh.
- Key wickets in the semi-final against Australia.
- Maintaining pace and accuracy despite playing two matches in three days.
Fitness Concerns Addressed
Shami briefly left the field in the group-stage match against Pakistan, raising fitness concerns. However, his ability to bowl a full quota of 10 overs in back-to-back matches has put those worries to rest.
He reassured fans, saying:
“I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more for the team. I am ready to bowl long spells.”
Gambhir’s Praise for Shami
India’s coach, Gautam Gambhir, lauded Shami’s commitment, calling him a “world-class performer”.
“He’s phenomenal. The hunger he brings to the table, the way he trains, the way he practises—that’s why you see all those results.”
Shami’s experience and ability to deliver under pressure will be crucial for India as they prepare to face South Africa or New Zealand in the final, yet again in Dubai.
India’s Road to the Final
| Match | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Bangladesh | Won |
| Group Stage | Pakistan | Won |
| Group Stage | England | Won |
| Semi-Final | Australia | Won |
With all eyes on the Champions Trophy 2025 final, India looks to continue their dominance in Dubai and secure another major ICC title.
FAQs
1. Why is India playing all its matches in Dubai?
India refused to travel to Pakistan, the original host of the Champions Trophy, leading to all their games being played in Dubai under a hybrid model.
2. Has playing in Dubai given India an advantage?
Yes, India has benefited from playing at a single venue, as it has allowed them to adapt to pitch conditions and avoid travel fatigue.
3. What is Mohammed Shami’s stance on the saliva ban?
Shami has appealed for the reversal of the saliva ban, arguing that it is crucial for generating reverse swing in ODIs.
4. Who will India face in the final?
India will face either South Africa or New Zealand in the final, which will also be held in Dubai.
5. How has Shami performed in the tournament?
Shami has been one of India’s top bowlers, taking crucial wickets and delivering consistent performances, including a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh.
