India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak rejects claims of unfair advantage in the Champions Trophy, asserting that match arrangements were made before the tournament. Concerns were raised regarding travel logistics for teams between Pakistan and Dubai, with emphasis on differing pitch conditions. Both teams aim to focus on their performance rather than external factors as they prepare for the final.
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has dismissed claims that the team’s Champions Trophy matches in Dubai provide them with an unfair advantage. He emphasized that the arrangements were made prior to the tournament and that winning four matches should not falsely suggest a distinct advantage due to the venue. Kotak asserted, “The draw that happened, it happened before. If people feel that there is an advantage, then I don’t know what to say about it.”
The current tournament raised discussions regarding its logistical complexities, particularly for teams having to travel between Pakistan and Dubai. South Africa’s David Miller noted, “it was not an ideal situation” for his team having to accommodate the travel demands. Even Pakistan, the nominal host, was required to fly to Dubai to compete against India, highlighting the unusual circumstances of the event.
Pitches in Dubai have been noticeably different from those in Pakistan, where high scores are common compared to the slower tracks in Dubai. Kotak pointed out, “End of the day, I think in a game you have to play good cricket every day when you turn up… It is not that after coming here, they changed something, and we got an advantage.”
India’s successful playoff run, including victories over New Zealand and Australia, has made them a formidable force heading into the final against New Zealand. Kotak advised his team to approach the match without being influenced by prior results, saying, “We should just try and turn up and play a good game of cricket.”
New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, also expressed indifference regarding any perceived advantage, explaining, “the decision around that’s out of our hands… But as you said, we have had a game here, and we’ll learn very quickly from that experience there as well.” He concluded by asserting confidence in his team’s ability to compete against India in the final.
In summary, discussions surrounding India’s venue advantages during the Champions Trophy have been met with firm denials by their batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak. Logistical challenges for other teams and variations in pitch conditions have amplified the debate. Nevertheless, both India and New Zealand appear focused on executing their game plans without dwelling on previous encounters or travel issues, signifying a competitive final ahead.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
