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New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has brushed aside all talks about advantages to India in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
In the recent days, the Rohit Sharma-led side are being targeted by many former cricketers and a few current players due to them playing all their games in Dubai. As per them, India don’t have to travel and have no problem in adjusting to ground dimensions and pitch behavior, which is in contrast to other teams who travelling from Pakistan to Dubai to play matches against India. Interestingly, with Pakistan out of the tournament, the knockouts will be played in Dubai.
However, Bracewell doesn’t feel the same way and feels the discussion is irrelevant, as the fixtures are already drawn out. As per him, it is another challenge where you get to prove your merit in different circumstances. Notably, New Zealand last played in Rawalpindi on February 24 and after a six-day break, they will clash against India on March 2 in Dubai.
“Look, it is what it is. It’s been decided, and that’s the way it is, and there’s no point dwelling on that,” Bracewell said.
“It’s part of what makes it exciting. I personally think it’s coming to a different ground and trying to figure out those different conditions. Yeah, not much more to say on that other than we’re excited to try and learn and play in different conditions,” he added.
Michael Bracewell also noted that New Zealand have got a well-rounded side which would help them fare well in Dubai. He also feels the pitch is likely to assist spinners, like the pitches in Pakistan.
Michael Bracewell has been in good form ahead of clash against India
Ahead of the last Group A stage clash between India and New Zealand, spinner Michael Bracewell has been in good wicket-taking form, which has brought him into the conversation of bagging an IPL contract as well.
In the first game against Pakistan, Bracewell finished with figures of 1/38 off 10 overs, as the Kiwi side secured a 60-run win. Thereafter, the all-rounder stunned the Bangladeshi outfit by claiming figures of 4/26 off 10 overs. His efforts resulted in the Black Caps winning the game by five wickets.
It will be interesting to see how Bracewell performs against Indian players, who are known to be strong operators against the spinners. With both sides having two wins each, the team ending on a winning note will top the points table and face the second-ranked side of the other group.
