I don’t think you have to be a rocket scientist to know that: Rassie van der Dussen on India playing in Dubai
South African batter Rassie van der Dussen has highlighted the advantage India holds in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by playing all their matches in Dubai. He noted that remaining in a single location allows the Indian team to benefit from consistent facilities and conditions, reducing the challenges associated with travel and unfamiliar venues.
Van der Dussen remarked, “If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practise in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage.”
“If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practise in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” Van der Dussen said.
“I don’t think you have to be a rocket scientist to know that. The onus would be on them to use that advantage. In a sense it puts more pressure on them because whoever is going to play them in the semi or potentially the final is going to go there and the conditions are going to be foreign – and [India] are going to be used to them. The pressure would be on them to get it right because they have all that knowledge.”
However, van der Dussen also pointed out that this advantage comes with added pressure for India. The familiarity with the Dubai conditions means expectations are higher for the team to perform well. He explained that opponents facing India in the semifinals or finals would encounter foreign conditions, whereas India would be accustomed to them, thereby increasing the onus on India to capitalize on their familiarity.
India’s decision to play all their matches in Dubai stems from security concerns, leading them to opt out of traveling to the host nation, Pakistan. This arrangement has sparked discussions among players and commentators about the fairness and impact of such scheduling on the tournament’s dynamics.
Despite the logistical benefits for India, van der Dussen suggested that the pressure to utilize this advantage effectively could be significant. He emphasized that while the conditions favor India, the team must ensure they leverage this familiarity to meet the heightened expectations and succeed in the tournament.
As the Champions Trophy progresses, the debate continues how such scheduling decisions influence team performances and the overall competitive balance of the tournament. Van der Dussen’s insights contribute to a broader conversation about the implications of venue consistency for one team in a multi-national event.
