While there’s no disputing that India didn’t have to travel to different cities like the other teams, McGrath believes Rohit’s players deserve credit for adapting to the circumstances.
During the second half of the ICC Champions Trophy, there were numerous concerns over the Indian team’s ‘unfair advantage’ of playing all of their matches in Dubai. After India refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, a hybrid model was implemented, with Rohit Sharma’s team playing all of their games in Dubai. Many believe that India had an unfair edge because they did not have to travel to another venue for their matches and learned about the merits and limitations of the Dubai International Stadium during their stay, allowing them to select their starting XI accordingly. However, Australia’s speed great Glenn McGrath believes India had no advantage.
Even before the hybrid concept was established, Lahore was chosen as the sole location for the Indian team, limiting their travel options. However, as the BCCI refused to transport the players beyond the border, a similar arrangement was implemented, with Dubai substituting Lahore.
While it is true that India did not have to travel to different places like the other participating teams, McGrath believes Rohit’s men deserve credit for adapting to the conditions they were given.”This is the way it is. India does not travel to Pakistan any more. The Times of India quotes McGrath as saying, “There was only one other thing: the matches had to be played in Dubai.” “You have to give credit to India; they played to the situation. They understand how to play on spinning tracks. I do not believe they had an unfair edge. It’s like claiming there’s an unfair advantage if India plays all of their games in India and Australia plays all of theirs in Australia.”
McGrath also believes the IPL has played a significant influence in molding Indian cricket, with new players rising to provide new skill sets.”Their IPL and T20 cricket have had a favorable effect on one-day cricket. India is confident and knows how to play the game. It is critical to protect Test cricket, but ODIs and World Cups are as significant. India is very familiar with the One Day International game. Other teams find it difficult to travel to India and perform effectively. “I like to challenge them, but India is a quality team,” McGrath remarked.
