Synopsis
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of India, defended the team against claims of unfair advantage due to playing all Champions Trophy matches at a single venue, calling out critics and emphasizing the team's commitment and performance.Key Takeaways
- Gautam Gambhir defends India's venue advantage claims.
- India progressed to the final with a win over Australia.
- Criticism of K.L. Rahul is dismissed by Gambhir.
- India awaits the semifinal winner between New Zealand and South Africa.
- Gambhir emphasizes impact over batting order.
Dubai, March 4 (NationPress) India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir criticized detractors on Tuesday for asserting that India enjoys an ‘undue advantage’ by playing all Champions Trophy 2025 matches at a single venue, urging the ‘perpetual cribbers’ to ‘grow up.’
India secured their place in the final with a four-wicket win against Australia at the Dubai International Stadium. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, has played all four matches at this location, while other teams traveled from Pakistan to the Middle East to compete against India, owing to the Indian government's ban on their travel to Pakistan for matches, which has stirred discontent among fans of rival nations.
“Kaunsi undue advantage? (What undue advantage?) We practice at ICC Academy, where conditions are distinct from those at the stadium. Some individuals are perpetual cribbers; they need to mature,” Gambhir expressed at the post-match press conference.
Thanks to Virat Kohli's contribution of 84 runs, alongside Shreyas Iyer (45), K.L. Rahul (42 not out), and Hardik Pandya (28 off 24 balls), India successfully chased down a target of 265 to reach the final of the eight-team tournament.
Throughout the tournament, wicketkeeper batter K.L. Rahul has struggled to make a significant impact, accumulating 83 runs over three innings, with no opportunity to bat against Pakistan, yet remaining unbeaten twice, showcasing his capacity to help the team clinch victory.
Gambhir supported Rahul, highlighting his value to the team despite batting at number six, with Axar Patel being elevated in the batting order. “I disregard criticism; I am dedicated to my role… committed to 140 crore Indians. KL averages 50 in ODIs, and I truly ignore the criticism. There’s no conversation about batting order; it’s all about impact. We desire impact, and KL adds depth at No.6,” he asserted.
India is set to face the victor of the second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa, scheduled to take place in Lahore on Wednesday, in the final on March 9.
