“What Undue Advantage?”: Head Coach Gautam Gambhir shuts down India’s critics over venue controversy

India head coach Gautam Gambhir fiercely responded to critics who claimed that the team had an “undue advantage” in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to playing all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, while other teams had to travel between Pakistan and the UAE. Gambhir dismissed these allegations, calling out the “perpetual cribbers” and urging them to “grow up.”

Gambhir’s Fiery Response

Following India’s four-wicket win over Australia in the semi-final, Gambhir was asked about the alleged advantage of playing at a single venue. His response was sharp and direct:

“Kaunsi undue advantage? (What undue advantage?) We practice at ICC Academy, where conditions are different from what we get here at the stadium. Some people are perpetual cribbers; they need to grow up,” he stated during the post-match press conference.

The venue debate arose because India has played all its matches in Dubai, unlike other teams who had to travel between Pakistan and the UAE. This arrangement was made after the Indian government declined to send the team to Pakistan, prompting concerns from other competing nations about fairness in scheduling.

India’s Path to the Final

Riding on Virat Kohli’s 84, Shreyas Iyer’s 45, and K.L. Rahul’s unbeaten 42, India successfully chased 265 against Australia to secure a spot in the final of the eight-team tournament. With this win, India now awaits the winner of the New Zealand vs South Africa semi-final, which will be played in Lahore on March 6.

Backing KL Rahul Amid Criticism

Despite some scrutiny over KL Rahul’s performance, Gambhir defended India’s wicketkeeper-batter, emphasizing his importance at No. 6 in the batting order.

“I don’t care about criticism, I am honest to my job…honest to 140 crore Indians. KL averages 50 in ODIs, I don’t really care about criticism and all that. There is no talk about batting numbers, only about impact. We want impact, and KL adds depth at No.6,” he added.

India’s Final Showdown on March 9

India will now compete for their third ICC Champions Trophy title, having previously won in 2002 (shared) and 2013. The final is set to take place on March 9, 2025, in Dubai, where India will face either New Zealand or South Africa in the title clash.

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