Mohammed Shami goes against Gautam Gambhir over ‘unfair advantage’ allegations on India

Team India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has opened up about the Rohit Sharma-led team playing all their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai. Mohammed Shami admitted that they benefited from playing in Dubai, adding that they know the conditions and the behavior of the pitch at the venue.

Several cricketers and experts, including Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, have questioned India over an unfair advantage in playing all their Champions Trophy 2025 matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, the other seven teams had to travel between venues in Pakistan and the UAE.

Meanwhile, India head coach Gautam Gambhir fired back at the critics, saying that they practice at ICC Academy, where conditions are different from Dubai stadium.

Mohammed Shami Opens Up on India Playing Only in Dubai

However, Mohammed Shami admitted that playing all their matches in Dubai has been an advantage for India. Shami acknowledged that the team is familiar with the conditions and pitch behavior at the venue, which has worked in their favor.

“It definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch,” Shami said on Tuesday after his pivotal role in beating Australia.

“It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue,” he added.

India Refused to Travel to Pakistan Due to Geopolitical Reasons

India refused to travel to Pakistan due to geopolitical reasons, leading to a hybrid model where all their matches, including the final, were scheduled in Dubai.

India secured a four-wicket victory over Australia in the semifinal in Dubai, with Shami starring with bowling figures of 3-48. After the match, head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed criticism regarding India’s advantage of playing all their matches at a single venue.

India, who declined to travel to host nation Pakistan, have won all four of their matches at the venue. They will play the final in Dubai on Sunday, March 9, against either South Africa or New Zealand.

As part of the tournament’s hybrid model, South Africa traveled to Dubai but returned to Pakistan within 24 hours without playing a game. The Proteas were awaiting the result of the final group-stage match between India and New Zealand.

I Am Trying to Get My Rhythm Back – Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami dismissed concerns about his fitness after bowling his full quota of ten overs against Australia in the semifinal. With two matches in three days, he said that he is working to regain his rhythm. Shami also stated that he is prepared to bowl long spells whenever required.

“I am trying to get my rhythm back and contribute more for the team. I am ready to bowl long spells,” said Shami.

Gautam Gambhir praised Mohammed Shami as a “world-class performer.”. He credited Shami’s success to his intense training and disciplined practice, adding that his hard work translates into on-field results.

“He’s phenomenal and the hunger he brings on the table, the way he trains, the way he practices — that’s why you see all those results,” Gambhir said.

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