India’s cricket coach Gautam Gambhir fiercely debunked suggestions that his team held an edge in Dubai’s conditions after their four-wicket triumph over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final on Tuesday, March 4.
The victory locked India into the 2013 Champions League, into their third straight final, awaiting South Africa or New Zealand.
At a Tuesday press conference, Gambhir shot down accusations of a Dubai bias. “The idea we’ve got an advantage here is baseless,” he snapped. “We’d play two spinners even in Pakistan.” He stressed that India hadn’t trained a day at Dubai International Stadium and had opted for the ICC Cricket Academy instead, with its distinct setup. “When has India played under these exact Dubai conditions? I can’t recall,” he added, noting the pitches remain neutral for all teams.
'Some people are perpetual cribbers'
Gautam Gambhir hits back at Dubai-only criticism
READ: https://t.co/b4OAoAjTb5 #GautamGambhir #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS #IndianCricket
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Gambhir aimed at stat-obsessed critics. “Journalists fixate on runs and wickets—we focus on a player’s game impact,” he explained. “Big numbers mean nothing without match influence.” With confidence blazing, he praised his squad: “Our players shine in every facet—each one steps up with hunger. But we’ve got one big fight left.”
Gautam Gambhir cooked all the haters of Rohit Sharma.🤣
pic.twitter.com/isMhsXCDJM
— 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐮 (@Ro_45stan) March 4, 2025
Selection gripes? Gambhir shrugged them off. “Outside criticism doesn’t faze us—performance and team success do,” he declared. As India gears up for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, his words signal a squad laser-focused on clinching the title, undeterred by naysayers.
Read: India Secures Champions Trophy 2025 Final Spot with 5-Wicket Win Over Australia
Gambhir’s fiery defense of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 run squashes condition debates, spotlighting raw team grit.