Ex-Australia Batter Drops Bombshell For India After Rohit Sharma Hits Back At Pat Cummins

Even though India has qualified for the semifinal of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 against Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 04, a few players have raised their voices against the unfair advantage the blue brigade is taking by playing the entire tournament at the same venue.

Rohit Sharma’s army due to their political relationship and not traveling to the other side of the border got the chance to play the entire competition in Dubai, as Pakistan, despite being the official host of the event, flew to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the mouth-watering clash on February 23.

Brad Haddin accepts India as favorites against Australia

The former Australian wicket-keeper batter, Brad Haddin, reckons that even though Rohit’s side would be the favorite going into the first semifinal in Dubai, having known the conditions better than the opponents, they will be under immense pressure.

Also Read: Pakistan At Risk Of Losing Hosting Rights For Champions Trophy 2025 Final

“India is in a unique position that they've played every game at the same venue. There is no grass in the square, and it is dry. It suits India, and I just think all the pressure is on them.” Haddin expressed this during a recent interaction on the Willow Talk podcast.

The veteran, however, has eliminated any pressure on the current ODI World champions and was surprised by highlighting that Steve Smith-led side would be beating the Gautam Gambhir-coached side in these spinning conditions.

“They've got it set up; they're playing great cricket, but it's a one-off shootout. Australia prides itself on making sure its tournament play is spot-on, and this is one of those games. And I don't think there's any pressure on the Australians at all.” Haddin pointed out in the same discussion.

“They've (India) had it all their way, and I can see - I don't know whether it's an upset - but I can see Australia beating India in these conditions. And I hope so, especially for where the tournament's been.” He added.

Alyssa Healy admits spin challenge for Australia against India

When India put 249 runs on the board in the first innings against New Zealand on March 02, many thought it would be easy for the Kiwis to chase down the score under lights when the pitch would settle down quite nicely. Apart from Kane Williamson, no one could stand apart as they folded up for 205 runs.

Alyssa Healy, captain of Australia’s women’s side, admitted that the change of conditions from Pakistan to Dubai would be a huge challenge for Steve Smith’s army.

“The conditions are seemingly very different in Dubai than where they've been playing (in Pakistan). I think, in a sense, Australia has not got a lot to lose, and that's a nice place for an Aussie team to be.” Healy explained.

“They probably haven't had the success or style of game that's been that attractive for the last six months. So I think the pressure is right on India to make a final. And I think if they don't make the final, there will be a big reaction.” Haddin concluded.

Rohit Sharma hits back at Pat Cummins’ accusation

In the pre-match presser, Rohit Sharma was asked about the unfair advantage they are getting by playing in the same venue for the past two weeks.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Hits Back At India’s Home Advantage Claims In Champions Trophy 2025

But the Nagpur-born feels that the three games they have played till now has come on different surfaces and every surface has been a new challenge for the unit.

“The pitches look the same, but when you play on it, it has played differently. So, you can't go thinking 'We played like this yesterday, and today we'll play like this'. We don't know which pitch is going to be played in the semi-final. But whatever happens, we have to adapt and see what is happening.” Rohit concluded.