Familiarity advantage for India in Champions Trophy: Robin Uthappa

Former India opener Robin Uthappa believes that the Indian team has a "familiarity" advantage of playing all their Champions Trophy campaign matches at Dubai International Stadium.

"I will not say it's a home advantage, but there is definitely an advantage of familiarity. I heard an interview where former India opener Wasim Jaffer was saying that there could have been one match in Abu Dhabi, one in Dubai, and one in Sharjah, and definitely that could have been done so that other teams couldn't find a reason to complain," said Uthappa.

He further added, "However, we must ask why we didn't go to Pakistan? Because of the geo-political situation. And each country has their right to decide if they don't want to travel to a particular nation. If one country ends up playing in one venue, then so be it. India could have complained that had they played on flat Pakistani pitches, their record could have been nicer. Each batsman would have got an opportunity to score heavily. You may say whatever, but at the end of the day, cricket is a contest between bat and ball, and the team which plays well on that day wins. And those who complain, you can sense their mental state. It becomes so obvious."

Uthappa and current UAE head coach Lalchand Rajput have a reunion ahead of the India-New Zealand game in Dubai.

The duo, who was part of India's inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup winning team under the leadership of MS Dhoni, spoke at length about the importance of happiness in life.

They spoke at the launch of a book - Life Lessons from Cricket. The book has been written by senior journalist Vimal Kumar along with Ashish Ambasta.

The foreword of the book has been written by former India coach Greg Chappell, and the preface by 2011 World Cup winning support staff Paddy Upton.

Meanwhile, on India's preference for semifinal opponent, the former opener added: "Genuinely, as a cricketer, it does not matter to us who is going to be our opponent. We as a team should focus on our form, strength, and the mood of the team, which is more important than who we are going to face or the pitches we are going to play on. They will concentrate on what we are going to do to win the game."

Pitches in Pakistan Flat

Rajput Rajput also seconded Uthappa and maintained that Pakistani pitches are flat. "See, there is definitely an advantage as one team is playing all matches in one venue. But if you look closely, Pakistani pitches are flat while Dubai is on the slower side, and it will take some effort to get used to these conditions quickly," he said.

On the upcoming clash with New Zealand, Rajput added: "See, for a coach, there is nothing called an inconsequential game, as you want your team to win every match and want to play your best players unless there is an injury or workload management. When you are having a good run, it's important to maintain the momentum. Sometimes when you qualify and make changes, and if we lose, then in the next game there is the same kind of pattern (like lack of rhythm), and hence when you are having a good time, we have to finish, we should always be on top." He also appreciated Virat Kohli and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.

"To be very honest, I had predicted very early that he (Kohli) would break Sachin Tendulkar's record. He still has got the same hunger and passion, and 300 is a lot of games. He is still so fit and every run is so important for him, and he values his wicket. That is why he is number 1," he added. "As a captain, he (Rohit) is the best so far with young players. He keeps the dressing room very happy. Because he allows the batsmen to perform well and doesn't put any pressure, and he is a jolly mood fellow. He keeps the mood very light, and that is what you saw in the West Indies when India won the T20 World Cup. Apart from the captain, he is also a friend, philosopher, and guide for many players. So, I think this CT will be another feather in his cap. And the way India has played so far, I do believe that there is another global trophy India can win."

Former India opener VVS Laxman and IPL chairman Arun Dhumal have spoken glowingly about the book. Besides the topic of Life Lessons from cricket, both guests spoke on some important topics of the ongoing Champions Trophy in Dubai.