Follow UsFormer Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin targeted India head coach Gautam Gambhir, saying that his team would be under a lot of pressure to make it to the final of the event, as he has not had a great amount of success as coach since taking charge.
India will take on Australia in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on March 4 (Tuesday).
"I think there's a lot of pressure on India, with the way they've played their cricket since Gautam Gambhir took over. They probably haven't had the success or style of game that's really been that attractive for the last six months,” Haddin was quoted as saying on the Willow Talk podcast.
“So I think the pressure is right on India to make the final. And I think if they don't make the final, there will be a big reaction,” added the former New South Wales player.
Haddin, who has also been involved with the Indian Premier League (IPL), surely knows a thing or two about Indian society and how people react.
He even brought out the obvious advantage that everybody has been talking about of playing at the same venue. But according to Haddin, that will put further pressure on India.
"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. They've got it set up, they're playing great cricket, but it's a one-off shootout. Australia pride themselves on making sure their 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,” Haddin said.