Sunil Gavaskar, the famous Indian batter and ex-captain, went after former England captains Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton. They were saying that the Indian men’s cricket team had a clear edge in the 2025 Champions Trophy because they played all their games in Dubai.
After India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final, Gavaskar wrote in his Sportstar column that if playing at one venue was such a big deal, why didn’t England win a major trophy until 2019? They hosted four ODI World Cups and three Champions Trophy tournaments before that!
Gavaskar pointed out that the ICC decided to hold India’s matches in Dubai back in December 2024. He thinks all this complaining should’ve happened back then.
“Just like in the ICC T20 win last year, the Indians beat everyone in the Champions Trophy. If people need more proof that India is the best, then what’s wrong with them?
“Sure, some people will grumble about India having the benefit of playing at just one ground and not having to travel. But the ICC decided that way before the tournament even started. So, any complaints about it should have been made before the first ball was bowled.
“And if playing on a single ground is why India won, then how come England, who whining so much, didn’t win any ICC trophies until 2019? They hosted quite a few before that! Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar, who was part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, said that Rohit Sharma’s team won the Champions Trophy for the third time because a lot of players stepped up.
“India won because they had a great team balance. Different players took charge at different points in the tournament to help the team win. And let’s not forget Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. He has now won two ICC titles as captain, like MS Dhoni.” Rohit also dismissed rumors about him retiring, saying he hasn’t decided when to stop playing this format.
