Glenn Phillips dismisses India’s ‘Dubai advantage’ criticism, vows no-excuse mindset

Ahead of their final group-stage encounter against India in the Champions Trophy, New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips has categorically dismissed any concerns regarding India’s so-called “Dubai advantage.” The much-anticipated clash is set to take place in Dubai on Sunday, but both teams have already secured their spots in the semi-finals, making the match more of a warm-up before the knockout stage.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Phillips made it clear that the New Zealand camp remains unfazed by the discussion surrounding India’s perceived familiarity with Dubai’s conditions. Instead, the team is adopting a “no-excuse” mindset, ensuring that they focus entirely on their performance rather than external factors.

New Zealand star emphasizes focus on performance ahead of Champions Trophy clash

“For us, there’s no focus on anything like that. Obviously, the tournament draw is what it is. We have a no-excuse mindset to be able to come out to a tournament. You’ve dealt the hand that you’ve dealt, and India has been dealt a hand. We’re never going to complain about what we get, and we’ll just do the best of what we’ve got,” Phillips stated.

The Kiwi all-rounder also emphasized that New Zealand has formulated clear game plans against the formidable Indian side. Acknowledging the strength of their opponents, Phillips highlighted that the Kiwis would rely on their own strategies and adaptability to challenge India’s well-rounded squad.

“We have our game plans against India. They’re an incredibly strong side, and they pretty much have all their bases covered. So, for us, I guess it’s about looking at the pitches and the results that have just gone by recently,” he added.

With both teams already through to the semi-finals, the upcoming clash serves as an opportunity for final adjustments before the knockout stage. While India’s experience in Dubai’s playing conditions has been a talking point, New Zealand’s approach remains straightforward—focus on execution and maximize their strengths without dwelling on external factors.

As the two cricketing powerhouses prepare to lock horns, Phillips’ statements underline New Zealand’s confidence and resilience, setting the stage for an exciting battle despite the game’s lack of impact on the tournament standings.

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