Team India is set to face Australia in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Tuesday. Experts have noted India’s extended stay in Dubai, giving them an advantage in acclimatizing to the local conditions compared to other teams. Interestingly, the semi-final between India and Australia will be played on a new pitch, potentially leveling the playing field.
It’s worth noting that India played their previous group matches on three different pitches.
Aakash Chopra, former Indian batter, advises Indian captain Rohit Sharma to choose to bat first if he wins the toss.
Chopra commented on X, stating that the Dubai International Stadium pitch is extremely dry and lacks grass. He believes choosing a different part of the square won’t change much. He hopes Rohit wins the toss and bats first, considering it a decisive advantage.
On the match’s eve, Rohit Sharma clarified that Dubai is not their ‘home ground’ and the pitches there have presented ‘varied challenges’ to his team.
‘Each time, the pitch presents different challenges. In the three matches we played here, the pitch conditions varied. This isn’t our home; it’s Dubai. We don’t often play here, so it’s also new for us,’ Rohit mentioned during the pre-semi-final press conference against Australia.
‘There are about four or five pitches in use here. I’m unsure which pitch we’ll play on for the semi-final. Regardless, we’ll need to adapt to the conditions and play accordingly,’ he added.
Rohit also observed some swing for the New Zealand bowlers in a previous game, which wasn’t seen in the initial two matches for their own bowlers. He also noted slight spin in a recent game.
‘So, different things are happening on each surface. It’s not predictable what will happen on any given pitch,’ he concluded.
