Pressure on India to Exploit Advantages

Rassie van der Dussen, a South African cricketer, has highlighted the pressure on India to make the most of their advantages in the Champions Trophy. India has not had to travel to play their matches, unlike the other seven teams in the tournament, and have been based in Dubai throughout.

"If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practise in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it's definitely an advantage," Van der Dussen said. "The onus would be on them to use that advantage. In a sense it puts more pressure on them because whoever is going to play them in the semi or potentially the final is going to go there and the conditions are going to be foreign – and they are going to be used to them."

India has already sealed a semifinal spot with two wins, and will play New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai. The final, if it involves India, will also be played in Dubai.

Unequal State of Affairs

The unequal state of affairs is a consequence of the BCCI refusing to send their players to Pakistan due to security fears and political considerations. Allowing India to base themselves in a neutral venue for as long as they stay in the tournament was a necessary concession.

South Africa's Perspective

Van der Dussen, who is a player in the tournament, believes that the pressure is on India to get it right because they have all the knowledge of the conditions. He also highlighted the challenges faced by other teams, who have had to travel to play their matches.

"It's a strange situation," Van der Dussen said. "I was speaking to someone at training today, and I said it's almost been a week since we've played. It feels like everyone else is playing, but we're not. We have so many training sessions. What's happening today? Another training session. We have another session tomorrow, which will probably be optional."

Other Perspectives

Pat Cummins, an Australian cricketer, also highlighted the Indians' special treatment, saying that it gives them a huge advantage playing on the same ground. Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed also noted that India's advantage is not just about the hotel or pitch, but also about the familiarity with the conditions.

Conclusion

The pressure is on India to make the most of their advantages, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the semifinals and final. Van der Dussen's words have highlighted the challenges faced by other teams, and it remains to be seen how they will respond to the pressure.