South Africa's Rob Walter Unfazed by India's Home Advantage in CT 2025

South Africa head coach Rob Walter prefers to focus on his team's performance rather than debating the advantage India holds by playing in Dubai for the Champions Trophy. Walter believes that concentrating on their own performance will yield better results, regardless of the scheduling. South Africa is in a three-way battle with Afghanistan and Australia to qualify for the semifinals. Heinrich Klaasen has recovered from an elbow injury and is considered a key player for the team.

South African cricket coach Rob Walter is known for his ability to bring the best out of his team, especially during major tournaments [1]. Despite their recent 3-0 whitewash at home against Pakistan, Walter remains optimistic about South Africa's prospects in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Walter believes that focusing on their own performance is the key to success, regardless of the scheduling challenges or the advantage India may have by hosting the tournament in Dubai [1]. The team is currently in a three-way battle with Afghanistan and Australia to qualify for the semifinals [2].

South Africa's white-ball record under Walter may not be impressive, with only two series wins from six attempts [1]. However, the team's performance at major tournaments has been commendable. In 2021, they reached the T20 World Cup final despite no bilateral series wins from four attempts [1]. In 2022, they made it to the ODI World Cup semi-final with limited game time under their belt [1].

The team is dealing with personnel challenges as well, with several bowlers injured. Seven of their seamers, including Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams, are currently sidelined [1]. However, Walter is confident in the quality of his players and trusts that they will be able to adapt to the different formats and perform well when the time comes.

Despite the challenges, Walter remains optimistic about South Africa's chances in the Champions Trophy. "The guys tend to step up. They tend to bring their best cricket," he said, adding that he trusts in the team's ability to pull together and shine through during major tournaments [1].

References:
[1] ESPNcricinfo. (2023, March 27). Rob Walter after 3-0 whitewash: South Africa will shine through in Champions Trophy. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rob-walter-after-3-0-whitewash-south-africa-will-shine-through-in-champions-trophy-1466269
[2] ESPNcricinfo. (2023, March 27). Ayub hundred condemns SA to maiden home ODI whitewash. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ayub-hundred-condemns-sa-to-maiden-home-odi-whitewash-1466268