‘Tournaments are won by performances, not excuses’- Ashwin, dismisses unfair advantage claims made against India

The assertions that India has had a “unfair home advantage” in the current ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have been vehemently refuted by former cricket player Ravichandran Ashwin. India’s use of the Dubai International Stadium for all of their games has given rise to accusations, while other teams have had to travel to and from several Pakistani cities to Dubai.

Asserting that performances, not justifications, define tournament success, Ashwin brushed these worries aside. He provided insight on the 2009 Champions Trophy campaign for South Africa, as the Proteas did not advance to the knockout round despite playing all of their group games at Centurion.

“I want one thing to be clear. Excuses are not used to win tournaments; performances are. The same questions are asked at press conferences, and it makes me giggle. South Africa failed to qualify in 2009 despite playing all of their group matches at the same location. According to Ashwin’s YouTube channel, India last played ODIs in the United Arab Emirates at the Asia Cup prior to COVID.

With the 2018 Asia Cup victory and an outstanding run in the 2025 Champions Trophy, India is still undefeated in ODIs at the Dubai International Stadium. Captain Rohit Sharma also discussed the subject, saying that the team has had to adjust to varied and fluctuating pitch conditions in every game, even though they are playing at a single location.

Ashwin also made fun of teams that always gripe about the circumstances rather than performing well.

I am familiar with one squad. When they arrive in India and lose 4-0, they accuse the pitches. You should concentrate on yourself. Indian cricket is one of the nation’s greatest assets. Just because someone else is establishing the story doesn’t mean you should disparage our guys,” he continued.

Ashwin praised the professionalism of New Zealand, saying that the Kiwis had not offered any excuses despite the roughly 7,000 km of travel.

Santner and Williamson will both agree that India performed admirably. New Zealand has fans for this reason. He went on to say, “They are gentlemanly and elegant.

On Sunday, March 9, India and New Zealand will square off in the final at the Dubai International Stadium.