Published: Mar 04, 2025, 12:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 04, 2025, 12:52 PM (IST)
After topping the Group A with 3 consecutive victories, India is set to face-off against Australia in the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday.
The last time the 2 teams met in an ICC ODI tournament was in the 2023 ODI World Cup final where Australia comprehensively won the match in India’s own backyard. The Men in Blue will be looking to take the revenge for the painful loss in the Champions Trophy semi-final.
Ahead of the crucial clash, former Australia cricketer Brad Haddin stated that Team India is under a lot of pressure of winning the semis at any cost. He also stated that the Men in Blue cannot afford to lose the semi-finals as they are playing in conditions which are quite favourable for 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 said on the Willow Talk podcast.
“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 own 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,” Haddin added.
Haddin also warned head coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the clash, stating that if the Men in Blue fail to make it to the final, then he will be bearing a lot of heat.
“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,” Haddin said.
“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,” Haddin added.
