Brad Haddin openly threatens Gautam Gambhir before India vs Australia Champions Trophy Semi-Final

The debate over India’s advantage in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has intensified, with many England and Australian cricketers slamming home-like advantage for the Men in Blue. They are playing all their matches in Dubai, and critics feel it gives them an unfair edge.

Other teams have had to adjust to different venues and travel from one city to another and even to another country, since Pakistan is the host country, but the Men in Blue have the luxury of being in one place, so they have valuable familiarity with the conditions in Dubai.

Brad Haddin says India's Dubai advantage could backfire against Australia

However, former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin believes that this advantage has increased the pressure on the Men in Blue ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal clash against Australia on Tuesday, March 4, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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He has pointed out that the dry, spin-friendly pitch has suited the Men in Blue and they have performed extremely well so far, making them clear favorites, but the pressure coming from the expectations of winning makes them a weaker side in the semifinal against Australia.

Brad Haddin said on the Willow Talk podcast, “India is in the unique position that they've played every game at the same venue; there is no grass in the square; it is dry. It suits India, and I just think all the pressure is on them. They've got it set up; they're playing great cricket, but it's a one-off shootout.”

Brad Haddin predicts Australia winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal

Haddin admitted that the Men in Blue have dominated in Dubai, but he emphasized that the knockout stage is a different challenge and Australia, which is known for handling high-pressure games in global tournaments, must take advantage of the Rohit Sharma-led team's smooth journey to pull off an upset.

The former Australian coach believes that this is an opportunity for Australia to turn the tables in Dubai, saying he would not be surprised if the Kangaroos will again crush the Men in Blue's hopes and make it to the finals of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Tuesday.

Haddin further explained, “Australia prides themselves on making sure their tournament play is spot-on, and this is one of those games. And I don't think there's any pressure on the Australians at all. They've (India) had it all their own way, and I can see—I don't know whether it's an upset—but I can see Australia beating India in these conditions. And I hope so, especially for where the tournament's been.”

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If they don't make the final, there will be a big reaction: Brad Haddin warns Gautam Gambhir

He insisted that the Men in Blue will be under immense pressure to win the semifinal against Australia, especially after their loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup Final and WTC Final. Haddin also warned Gautam Gambhir to be ready to face the extreme heat if the Men in Blue fails to make it to the finals, as the team already couldn’t deliver the desired results so far under his tenure.

Haddin signed off by saying, “I think there's a lot of pressure on India, with the way they've played their cricket since (coach) Gautam Gambhir has taken over. They probably haven't had the success or style of game that's really been that attractive for the last six months. So, I think the pressure is right on India to make a final. And I think if they don't make the final, there will be a big reaction.”