'Unwavering confidence: R Ashwin's clear message ahead of IND vs NZ Champions Trophy final'

New Delhi: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand promises to be a nail-biting showdown. India has dominated the tournament, remaining undefeated on their path to the title clash. On the other hand, New Zealand, with just one loss in the group stage against India, is determined to seek redemption in the final.

This marks India’s third consecutive ICC limited-overs tournament final, following their appearances in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and the 2024 T20 World Cup final. As the grand finale approaches, discussions are intensifying over whether India, led by Rohit Sharma, is receiving an unfair advantage heading into the crucial encounter.

India has played all its matches in Dubai, a decision that was made in advance due to the BCCI’s reluctance to send the team to Pakistan, the designated hosts of the tournament. While other teams have traveled across different venues and countries throughout the competition, India has remained stationed in Dubai for all five of its matches. This has sparked debates over whether the scheduling has given the team an added advantage in the tournament.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin blasted the ‘venue advantage’ propagators.

Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed concerns over India’s so-called ‘home advantage’ in the Champions Trophy, stating that such arguments hold little weight. He pointed out that in the 2009 edition, South Africa played all their matches at the same venue but failed to reach the final, proving that location alone doesn’t guarantee success. Ashwin emphasized that India’s place in the final is purely due to their exceptional performances. He also reminded critics that India last played in Dubai during the COVID-19 era, and since then, teams like New Zealand, England, and South Africa have also competed there.

Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed the ongoing narrative surrounding India’s so-called advantage, criticizing those who blame external factors instead of acknowledging India’s strong performances. He pointed out how certain teams struggle in India and later blame the pitch, urging fans not to buy into such arguments. Ashwin admitted feeling nervous about the final, especially after New Zealand’s impressive win over South Africa, recalling past instances where they have troubled India.

The tournament’s scheduling has sparked debate, with former cricketers like Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton suggesting that India benefits from reduced travel, familiarity with Dubai’s conditions, and squad selection tailored to the venue.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead acknowledged the challenges of adapting to different conditions, especially with teams traveling across venues. Speaking to the media, he admitted that the travel between Lahore and Dubai took a toll but emphasized that the focus now is on recovery, strategic planning, and mental preparation ahead of the final.