‘Arrogant’ Gautam Gambhir destroyed by South Africa amid India's 'Dubai advantage' controversy

South African media launched a scathing attack on India's head coach Gautam Gambhir after he dismissed claims that India had an undeniable advantage by playing all their Champions Trophy matches. Gambhir also faced criticism for targeting former England cricketers Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is being played under a hybrid model. India are playing all their matches in Dubai, while other teams are based in Pakistan and have to travel to the UAE to face them. Team India did not travel to Pakistan due to geopolitical reasons. The ICC and PCB agreed to a hybrid model.

Rohit Sharma's India Advance to Champions Trophy 2025 Final Undefeated

This advantage has been criticized by several experts, including Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton. India have avoided traveling and benefited from familiar conditions and spin-friendly pitches in Dubai. The Rohit Sharma-led team secured consecutive wins and entered the final of the tournament.

Meanwhile, other teams had to frequently travel between Pakistan and Dubai. South Africa and Australia even made a short-notice trip to Dubai for a potential semi-final against India. Australia stayed in Dubai, while South Africa had to return to Pakistan within 12 hours to face New Zealand in Lahore.

Gautam Gambhir Criticized for Attacking Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton

During a press conference, Gautam Gambhir responded to criticism about India's alleged advantage even though he wasn’t directly questioned about it. Gambhir called the critics "perpetual cribbers" and denied any undue advantage. He stated that India had not practiced at the Dubai International Stadium.

A South African media outlet, iol.co.za, criticized Gambhir and mentioned that the ICC Academy and Dubai International Stadium are only a few hundred meters apart, contradicting claims that the conditions were vastly different. The article also described his stance as "cringe-worthy arrogance."

Gautam Gambhir faced backlash for his verbal attack on Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, who were among the first to question India's advantage. He stated, "They've got to grow up," in the press conference, which further fueled the controversy.

"Well, that's some statement, especially when it's blatantly obvious that residing in one location and playing at a single stadium while other teams have to travel around and experience different conditions is an advantage," it added.

Gautam Gambhir Warned That India's ICC Trophy Victory Could Be Deemed a "Hollow Triumph"

India are preparing for the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai. However, Gautam Gambhir was reminded that even if India win the trophy, some critics will view it as a "hollow victory."

It read: "There's every likelihood that India will go on to win their second successive major ICC trophy in less than a year on Sunday when they face New Zealand, who beat South Africa in Wednesday's semifinal.

"But when Gambhir raises the trophy towards the Dubai night skyline in celebration, being the fierce competitor that he is, he will know deep within himself that there will be a hollowness to it for the manner it was achieved regardless of all the outlandish comments he is currently making. And that's something he will have to live with every time he looks at that winners' medal in his living room for the rest of his days.

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