Playing only in Dubai definitely helped us: Mohammad Shami
India’s thrilling win over Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. The Men in Blue’s victory was made possible, in part, due to the familiarity with the conditions in Dubai, according to pacer Mohammad Shami. Speaking to the media after the match, Shami credited the team’s experience of playing in Dubai throughout the tournament as a significant factor in their success.
“Playing only in Dubai definitely helped us because we know the conditions and the behaviour of the pitch,” Shami said. “It is a plus point that you are playing all the matches at one venue. You can adjust your strategy, your game plan, according to the pitch and the conditions.”
India’s decision to play all their matches in Dubai was a calculated one, and it has paid dividends. The team has been able to adapt to the conditions, and their familiarity with the pitch has given them a distinct advantage over their opponents.
Shami’s comments are not surprising, given the importance of acclimatization in international cricket. When a team plays in a new venue, there are always going to be unknowns, and it can take time to adjust to the conditions. However, when a team plays in the same venue multiple times, they can fine-tune their strategy and make adjustments as needed.
In the case of India, playing in Dubai has allowed them to do just that. They have been able to study the pitch and the conditions, and make adjustments to their game plan accordingly. This has given them a significant advantage over their opponents, who may not have the same level of familiarity with the conditions.
Shami’s comments also highlight the importance of experience in international cricket. When a team has players who have played in the same conditions multiple times, they have a significant advantage over teams who are playing in new conditions. This is why experience is so highly valued in international cricket, and why teams are often willing to invest in players who have a track record of performing in different conditions.
India’s experience of playing in Dubai has also given them an advantage in terms of pitch knowledge. Shami’s comments suggest that the team has a good understanding of how the pitch will behave, and this has allowed them to adjust their strategy accordingly.
This is particularly important in the Champions Trophy, where the pitch can play a significant role in the outcome of the match. The tournament is played on a flat pitch, which can make it difficult for bowlers to take wickets. However, India’s familiarity with the pitch has allowed them to adapt, and they have been able to use the conditions to their advantage.
India’s win over Australia has sent them into the final of the Champions Trophy, where they will face off against the winner of the other semi-final. The final will be played on Sunday, and India will be looking to make it a successful tournament. With their experience of playing in Dubai, they will be confident of their chances, and will be looking to make the most of their familiarity with the conditions.
In conclusion, Shami’s comments highlight the importance of experience and pitch knowledge in international cricket. India’s decision to play all their matches in Dubai has given them a significant advantage, and they will be looking to make the most of this advantage in the final of the Champions Trophy. With their experience of playing in Dubai, India will be confident of their chances, and will be looking to bring home the trophy.
