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Rassie van der Dussen Photograph: (X)
South Africa's middle-order batter Rassie van der Dussen slammed India for playing at a single venue throughout the Champions Trophy 2025. India refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to security reasons. Hence, the ICC came up with Dubai as an alternative venue for the Men in Blue. Now, many players have bashed this decision and called it an 'advantage' for India.
"It's definitely an advantage. I saw that Pakistan was commenting about it, but it's definitely an advantage. If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practice in the same facilities, play in the same stadium on the same pitches every time, it's definitely an advantage. Don't think you have to be a rocket scientist to know that. The onus would be on them to use that advantage. In a sense, it puts more pressure on them because whoever is going to play them in the semi or potentially the final is going to go there, and the conditions are going to be foreign, but they [India] are going to be used to it," said Rassie van der Dussen.
India's next game is against New Zealand on March 2. Both teams have already qualified for the semi-finals, but the top position hasn't been decided yet due to the same score. The last game will decide the table toppers.
It's definitely a possibility that it's my last ICC tournament: Rassie van der Dussen
Rassie van der Dussen also spoke about his retirement during the interview, mentioning that this might be his last ICC tournament. The cricketer has been an impactful player with the bat for South Africa in the ongoing Champions Trophy. He also praised his fellow teammates for showcasing their skills in the tournament.
"It's definitely a possibility that it's my last ICC tournament. I'm not saying that with any preconceived ideas that I'll call time on it, or management will call time on my career. It's just the reality. It's such a great thing that there's so many young players coming through, guys really playing well. A guy like Tristan Stubbs, he's sitting on the sidelines. Or Tony de Zorzi," added Rassie van der Dussen.