KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja of India celebrate their team's win over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, 2025. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
India certainly had an advantage playing all their Champions Trophy games in Dubai according to Black Caps coach Gary Stead.
India survived a late fightback from the Black Caps to win the final by four wickets.
"No doubt about it", Stead told Morning Report after being asked if India had an advantage in the final.
The tournament was hosted by Pakistan but India refused to play their games there because of political tension and instead played all their games in Dubai.
"I do think it was a factor. It is a little bit ironic that the Champions Trophy was meant to be in Pakistan but they get to play here (Dubai)," Stead said.
"There is not much you can do about it, it was the cards we were dealt, we were up for the challenge, we just weren't quite good enough tonight."
Daryl Mitchell top scored with 63 as the Black Caps scored 251 for seven after deciding to bat first.
In reply Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put on a century opening stand with Rohit making 76.
They then managed their run chase and got home with six balls to spare.
The Black Caps were without their main strike bowler Matt Henry who was ruled out of the game with a back injury.
"250 I thought was a competitive total, we probably needed to take a couple of early wickets to really keep us in the hunt and give ourselves a real sniff," Stead said.
Stead was asked what his future was with the team with a white ball series with Pakistan coming up at home to finish off the summer.
"I'll get to the end of the season and work that out.
"The team environment is great, it has been a hugely enjoyable tournament but I couldn't speak more highly for the culture and the way the guys get around themselves in this team. It is a joy to be a part of."
New Zealand's coach Gary Stead Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Victory confirms India's place as the world's premier white-ball side.
Since being beaten in the final of the 2023 World Cup they have won the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy.
