Champions Trophy 2025: Batting Coach Kotak Downplays India’s Home Ground Benefit
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Synopsis
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak downplayed claims of a venue advantage in the ongoing Champions Trophy, asserting that the team has adhered to the predetermined draw. India advanced to the final after defeating Australia, facing New Zealand next, with hopes to secure their third title.
Key Takeaways
- India's batting coach dismisses venue advantage claims.
- India won four matches at Dubai International Stadium.
- BCCI's refusal to play in Pakistan due to security concerns.
- India aims for a third Champions Trophy title against New Zealand.
- New Zealand's coach also downplays venue-related issues.
Dubai, March 7 (NationPress) India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has brushed aside the notion of any 'benefit' that India might have by competing at the same venue in the current Champions Trophy. He emphasized that the Rohit Sharma-led team played according to the pre-established draw, which was determined well in advance.
India progressed to the final of the tournament with a four-wicket win over Australia in the first semifinal held at Dubai Stadium. The team has played all four of their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, while other squads had to travel from Pakistan to the Middle East to face India due to the tournament's hybrid format. The BCCI had declined to send the team to Pakistan, citing security issues, which sparked significant reactions from fans and media of the other competing teams.
"I don't comprehend what advantage there is or what we have gained. There is no advantage whatsoever. The draw was established long ago. When India wins four matches, people start to think we have been given an edge," Kotak stated.
"I am unsure how to address this. Ultimately, good cricket must be played. If you don't perform well, you can't complain. If you do well, there’s no point in saying there was an advantage. We are training here, playing matches there, and experiencing different pitches. The draw is what it is. No adjustments were made upon our arrival here," Kotak was quoted as saying by TOI during India's practice session on Friday.
India aspires to become the first team to clinch three Champions Trophy titles when they face New Zealand in the final on Sunday. The two teams previously clashed in the final Group A matchup in Dubai, where India maintained their winning momentum with a 44-run victory. Subsequently, New Zealand had to journey to Pakistan to face South Africa in Karachi before hurrying back to Dubai for the final.
India and New Zealand have faced off four times in ICC knockout tournaments, with the Black Caps holding a 3-1 advantage over the Men in Blue.
"I don't see any advantage. The tournament's draw has been this way since the beginning. Nothing has changed. If people think this only after our advancement to the final, that's unfortunate. That’s how the game unfolds; we played according to the draw. There is no advantage. You need to play good cricket to win," Kotak further commented.
Earlier, New Zealand's head coach Gary Stead also downplayed the issue, remarking that 'the decisions regarding that are beyond our control'.
"So, it's not something we are overly concerned about. India has played all of their matches here in Dubai, but as you mentioned, we have had a game here and learned quickly from that experience as well.
"It's always thrilling to be in this position, and from our perspective, it comes down to a single match now. If we can outperform India on Sunday, then I am sure we will be very pleased," he added.
