Team India is facing Australia in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai after beating New Zealand in their last group-stage game. With the wounds of their 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat still fresh, Rohit Sharma and his men will seek to get even with the Aussies, who are known to perform best under pressure in major tournaments.
Brad Haddin: ‘All Pressure is on India’
Ex-Australian cricketer Brad Haddin opines that India is under huge pressure to emerge victorious in this high-pressure match. In his comments on the Willow Talk podcast, Haddin noted that India played all their games in Dubai, something that should be hugely in their favor. Nevertheless, he cautioned that the pressure might work against them.
“India are 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,” Haddin added.
Australia Preparing to Knock Off India?
Haddin emphasized the fact that Australia, without major players, is ready for knockout matches and there is no pressure for them going into this pivotal match.
“Australia pride themselves on making sure they’re 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 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,” he said.
Gautam Gambhir In the Dock?
Haddin also indicated that India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir might come under the scanner if the team does not reach the final.
“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” said Haddin.
“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,” he cautioned.
With hopes running high on India, all attention will be at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium where they meet Australia to reach the final.
