'Someone like Shami will be a good bet in Dubai' - Robin Singh expects pacer to flourish in Champions Trophy

The Indian pace attack has been dealt a huge blow as Jasprit Bumrah is ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury. Mohammed Shami remains the only senior paceman and will be seen leading the Indian pace battery comprising Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the upcoming ICC event. It is worth noting that, India will play all of their games at the Dubai Internatioal Stadium. 

Speaking of Dubai, former India cricketer, Robin Singh was also the national coach of United Arab Emirates. Having spent a lot of time guiding players and coaching in the UAE, and Dubai in particular, has provided crucial information about the structure of stadium which will impact the pacers at the revered venue. 

Also Read: Broadcast details for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 announced

“It’s a closed environment, so when it comes to Dubai a lot depends on which pitch you are playing. So, in Dubai, you have a centre wicket and then you have wickets to the side. So, the sun actually hits the wickets till about 3 to 4 o’clock in the evening. After that, it forms a shadow. So, the wickets to the left generally, it tends to be a little slower because you don’t get enough sunlight for long periods. The way the stadium is built, the sunlight is only there for a period of time. Of course, it will be warm because of the humidity and it will always bring dew into play. But dew is pretty early for that, so it’s not going to come down to toss,” said Robin as quoted by The Indian Express. 

"In the night, it has always shown a tendency to skid on. The dew is not extensive now, but it helps batting in the night. There will be runs for the taking. But if you’re a good fast bowler, at night, you can exploit those conditions. A good seam bowler, someone like Shami will be a good bet in Dubai because he hits those right lengths and areas. Anyone who can hit the seam well and hit those areas will be reasonably successful," he added. 

India's full schedule

20 February 2025: Bangladesh vs India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

23 February 2025: Pakistan vs India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

2 March 2025: New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Groups

Group A: India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh.

Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan.