Champions Trophy 2025-Mohammed Shami's Role and India's Strategic Advantage in Dubai

The Champions Trophy 2025 has been an exhilarating experience for teams playing the high-profile ODI tournament. But one vital point of dispute has been India's choice of playing all their matches at one venue in Dubai, which has invited criticism on fairness and competition balance. Though critics complain that this setup provides India an unfair edge, veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami went on record to say that playing all their matches at one ground has actually benefited them.

India's Home Away from Home

Owing to political instability, India declined traveling to Pakistan, the official host nation. Consequently, all their matches were held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This twin arrangement has enabled them to acclimatize to the conditions, something Shami candidly admitted has favored India.

"It certainly benefited us as we understand the conditions and the character of the wicket," said Shami post his match-winning performance against Australia in the semi-final.

Winning their fourth wicket battle against Australia, India remains winless in Dubai this tournament as well, pushing their mind-boggling total of nine out of ten victories at the stadium. They will next contest the final against either South Africa or New Zealand, again in Dubai. Other teams, on the other hand, have had no choice but to constantly travel back and forth between Pakistan and the UAE, with the result that their trip through the tournament has been considerably more physically taxing.

Shami’s Pivotal Role in India’s Success

Mohammed Shami at the age of 34 is still very much a key player in India's pace arsenal. His lethal combination of speed, accuracy, and reverse swing has been among the top performers of this Champions Trophy. He began proceedings for India in their opening match against Bangladesh with an eye-catching five-wicket haul, showcasing his ability to devastate top-order batting line-ups.

His recent heroics were witnessed in the semi-final against Australia, where he took 3-48, playing a key role in keeping the Aussies in check. This performance, apart from securing India a final spot, reminded everyone that Shami was every bit a world-class bowler as before.

The Reverse Swing Debate-Shami Calls for Saliva Ban Reversal

One of the most intriguing controversies stirred by Shami in this tournament is the ancient controversy surrounding the use of saliva in cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) legalized the ban on the use of saliva in 2022, a regulation that was originally introduced as a health protocol against the COVID-19 pandemic. But Shami and the rest of the fast bowlers have never been interested in its comeback, contending that saliva is required to generate reverse swing, particularly towards the latter stages of an ODI.

"We are trying to reverse, but without saliva, it is tough," Shami clarified. "We are always requesting to bring it back, because it will make reverse swing stronger and provide another element to fast bowling."

Sweat is now allowed for shining balls, yet it is not as effective as saliva in maintaining one side shine and the other side rough. Reverse swing is an important trick weapon for bowlers such as Shami towards the end of overs since it enables them to mislead batsmen and transform the fortunes of matches in their team's direction.

Fitness Issues Brought To An End

In spite of having to play two consecutive matches, Shami has not displayed any signs of exhaustion. There were fears about his fitness when he left the field for a few minutes during India's game against Pakistan, but he has now established himself. In the semi-final against Australia, he bowled all his 10 overs, demonstrating that he is indeed ready to perform under pressure.

"I'm attempting to get my rhythm back and play for the team," Shami stated. "I am ready to bowl long innings."

His commitment and fitness have impressed India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who described Shami as a "world-class performer."

"He's phenomenal," Gambhir stated. "The hunger he brings to the table, the way he trains, the way he practices—that's why you see all these results."

Road to the Final

Having momentum with them, India are now a step from lifting the Champions Trophy. Their familiarity with conditions in Dubai, along with the current form of such key players as Shami, makes them a force to reckon with in the final. But if their current edge of playing at a single venue will be argued a lot after the tournament, time alone will say.

As India prepares to battle it out for the trophy, one thing is certain—Mohammed Shami shall be at the forefront of their bowling attack, looking to produce yet another game-winning show on the biggest of platforms.