South Africa should consider the possible disadvantage they will face if they have to play a Champions Trophy semi-final or final in Dubai against India, who are based in the UAE. This is according to top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen, who stated it’s obvious that training and playing in one location, without travel, gives India an edge that they must use.
“It’s definitely an advantage. Pakistan has also commented on it, and it is clearly an advantage. If you can stay in one place, in one hotel, practice in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” Van der Dussen said from Karachi. “You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand that. The pressure will be on them to capitalize on this advantage. Whoever plays them in the semi or final will be coming to unfamiliar conditions, while they [India] will be accustomed to it. They will be under pressure to get it right because of their familiarity with the conditions.”
The Champions Trophy is using a hybrid model because India’s government did not allow them to travel to Pakistan, the official hosts. The ICC board decided that India’s matches, including any against Pakistan, would be held at a neutral venue. Pakistan will receive similar treatment for events held in India until 2027. Pakistan recently played India in Dubai and lost, leading to their exit from the tournament. Van der Dussen mentioned comments from Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed, who downplayed the idea that India had an initial advantage.
“Look, they are in Dubai for a reason,” Aaqib said. “If they are playing in Dubai, it’s because there is an advantage in playing on the same pitch or ground. But we are not losing because of the hotel and pitch advantage (laughs). It’s not just the pitch, and they haven’t played many matches there.”
However, Australia captain Pat Cummins agrees with Van der Dussen. He told Yahoo Sports Australia that India would have a “huge advantage” by playing all their matches in Dubai. “I think it’s good that the tournament is happening, but it definitely gives them [India] a big advantage playing on the same ground,” he said. “They already look very strong, and they have the obvious benefit of playing all their games there.”
One benefit for India is the certainty of knowing their venue for all games, including knockouts, while other teams must wait to confirm their arrangements. The result of the Australia vs Afghanistan game could confirm Group B’s semi-finalists, but final group positions will only be known after South Africa’s match against England. If South Africa qualifies for the semi-finals, they will play India in Dubai or New Zealand in Lahore.
When asked his preference, Van der Dussen said he would prefer Lahore personally because it’s good for batting. He added, “The Dubai pitch is not as high-scoring as Lahore, but it doesn’t really matter. Logistically, Lahore would be easier. We wouldn’t need an international flight to Dubai. Lahore is close to our current location, so conditions are similar. We will know more on Saturday evening.”
Despite South Africa being in Pakistan for three weeks and preparing their squad accordingly, Van der Dussen believes they can adapt to any venue. “As a team, we have everything we need to adapt to any conditions. I’m not worried. No location is significantly better or worse for us.”
