EXCLUSIVE: Dubai Pitch Curator Reveals What Team India Can Expect in Champions Trophy | Cricket News

The excitement surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is at an all-time high. Fans worldwide are gearing up for the tournament, with Team India ready to take on some of their toughest competitors. From jerseys to snacks, everything is being prepped for the big games. All eyes are now on the pitch in Dubai, where India will play all their group-stage matches. The big question is: What can we expect from the pitch, and should captain Rohit Sharma choose to bat or bowl if he wins the toss?

The Pitch in Dubai: Consistent and Fair

Matthew Sandery, the curator for the Dubai International Stadium, recently shared his thoughts on the pitch ahead of the tournament. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, Sandery emphasized that no special instructions had been given to the curators by any team, including India. “We are going to create the best surfaces for Dubai and the weather that comes with the UAE,” he said.

His focus is on ensuring consistent bounce, which will provide a fair playing surface for both teams. The aim is to make the pitch conducive for exciting white-ball cricket, where players can confidently hit through the ball, creating thrilling moments like fours and sixes. Sandery is optimistic about the quality of the surface, having improved it following the Women’s World Cup held earlier in the year.

Key Matches and India’s Group A

India is placed in Group A, alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. They will kick off their campaign in Dubai on February 20, taking on Bangladesh. The much-anticipated clash with Pakistan will follow on February 23, and then India will face New Zealand on March 2. Fans are eagerly awaiting these matchups, especially the India-Pakistan game, which is always a crowd-puller.

Dew Factor: Will It Affect the Game?

The weather in Dubai can be unpredictable, and with the unique structure of the stadium, the pitch might behave differently during the day. Sandery highlighted the importance of sunlight, which plays a significant role in how the pitch performs early and during the afternoon. With such conditions, both batters and bowlers will need to adapt quickly to the changing environment.

Another factor that could influence the game is dew. As the evening progresses, dew could play a role in how the ball behaves, particularly for the bowlers. Teams will need to carefully consider these weather factors when making decisions on batting or bowling.

India’s Recent History in Dubai

India has faced Pakistan twice in Dubai during the 2022 Asia Cup. While India won the group-stage match, they were defeated in the Super Four clash. However, this year’s Champions Trophy will be a 50-over format, not the T20 format of the Asia Cup. This slight change could make a significant difference in how teams approach their game plans.

What’s Next for Team India?

As the anticipation builds, all eyes are on the pitch and the players. Will Rohit Sharma’s decision at the toss be influenced by the pitch conditions, or will it be based on the team’s strategy? With consistent bounce and a fair playing surface, the Champions Trophy promises to deliver some thrilling cricket.

The countdown is on, and fans can’t wait to see the action unfold. Will India dominate their group and reach the finals? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—the excitement is palpable, and everyone is ready for the Champions Trophy fever to hit.

The Big Question at the Toss

As the tournament kicks off, the key question for Rohit Sharma and his team will be: bat or bowl first? The conditions in Dubai, the weather factors, and the pitch’s consistency will all play a role in shaping that decision. With all the preparation and excitement, the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a memorable event. Stay tuned for more updates as India takes on the world in the UAE.

What are your predictions for India’s performance in the Champions Trophy? Will they come out on top, or is another team poised for victory? Let us know your thoughts!