New Delhi: The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where India will play all their Champions Trophy group games, might not offer their stroke-making batters a free license to score, said former opener Navjot Singh Sidhu.
India are clubbed with Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in their group and begin campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by games against Pakistan (February 23) and New Zealand (March 2).
India have played six ODIs in Dubai, winning five times, two among those against Pakistan. But their batters would have adapt and respect the conditions that would be different from the flat-track Indian pitches, said Sidhu.
Dubai is a different ball game all together… last 24 ODI’s no team has crossed 300 , average winning score is 233 …. Dew factor is huge as 60%maches have been won chasing totals – 14 out of 24 … @GeoHot pic.twitter.com/Q5FABBWHSV
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) February 16, 2025
“Dubai is a different ball game all together. In the last 24 ODIs, no team has crossed 300 runs. The average winning score there is 233,” Sidhu pointed out while speaking to on Star Sports.
Sidhu also said dew would be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of contests as it falls heavily during this part of the year in Dubai.
“Dew factor is huge. 60% matches in Dubai have been won chasing totals – 14 out of 24,” he added.
Fresher pitches for India matches
For India’s Champions Trophy games, two hitherto unused pitches would be made match-ready. Traditionally in 58 ODIs played in Dubai so far, pacers have had greater success.
But as fresher pitches would be used this time, spinners who can deliver at a brisk pace could have an edge.
“There are 10 match strips at the DICS. During the league stage, there was specific instructions that those two won’t be used now and needed to be kept fresh for the Champions Trophy,” a source told PTI.
“However, whether any of the two was used for the play-offs isn’t known. The idea is to ensure that it doesn’t become low and slow after over-use and matches become drag. The fresh pitches will aid the batters and bowlers in equal measure,” he added.
Keeping this in mind, India picked five spinners in their 15-member squad.
India will play all their Champions Trophy group stage games in Dubai and begin campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by games against Pakistan (February 23) and New Zealand (March 2). Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
