Dubai stadium

Dubai International Stadium: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dismissed any questions surrounding the ‘advantage’ enjoyed by India by playing at the same venue in the ongoing Champions Trophy, stating the Rohit Sharma-led side played according to the draw, which was decided a long time ago.

India advanced into the final of the tournament with a four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semifinal at the Dubai Stadium. They played all four games at the same venue, the Dubai International Stadium, whereas other teams had to travel to the Middle East from Pakistan to face India because of the hybrid model of the tournament. The BCCI had refused to send the team to Pakistan, citing security concerns, causing an uproar across fans and media alike of the other competing nations.

"I don't understand what advantage there is and what advantage we have gotten. There is nothing about the advantage. The draw was decided a long time ago. When India have won four matches, then people are thinking we have been given an advantage.