Ravichandran Ashwin has hit back at claims that India has enjoyed an “unfair home advantage” in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Critics have pointed out that India has played all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, while other teams have had to travel between Pakistan and Dubai. However, Ashwin was quick to dismiss these allegations, asserting that performances, not conditions, determine success in major tournaments.
The former India spinner cited South Africa’s Champions Trophy campaign in 2009 as an example, where the Proteas played all their group matches in Centurion but still failed to reach the knockout stage. He made it clear that winning a tournament is about adapting and delivering on the field rather than looking for excuses.
“I want to clear one thing—tournaments are won based on performances, not excuses. It makes me laugh seeing the same questions being asked in press conferences. South Africa played all their group matches at the same venue in 2009 and still didn’t qualify. India, on the other hand, last played ODIs in the UAE during the Asia Cup before COVID,” Ravichandran Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel.
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India has an exceptional ODI record at the Dubai International Stadium, having won the 2018 Asia Cup and now remaining unbeaten in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Skipper Rohit Sharma also weighed in on the debate, emphasizing that despite playing at one venue, India has had to adapt to different pitch conditions in every match. Ravichandran Ashwin also took a dig at teams that frequently blame conditions instead of focusing on their performance.
“I know one team. They come to India, lose 4-0, and then blame the pitches. Focus on yourselves. Indian cricket is a proud asset of this country. Don’t throw mud on our players just because someone else is setting the narrative,” he remarked.
He also praised New Zealand’s approach, highlighting that despite travelling over 7,000 kilometres, the Kiwis haven’t made any excuses.
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“If you ask Williamson or Santner, they’ll say India played well. That’s why New Zealand has fans. They are classy and gentlemen,” Ravichandran Ashwin added.
India is now set to face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9.
