Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding India's venue advantage in the Champions Trophy, stating he can only laugh at such questions. The Indian team have played all their matches in Dubai, while other teams have had to travel between Lahore and Dubai throughout the tournament. Critics have suggested that reduced travel has given India an edge, but Ashwin dismissed these claims, stressing that tournaments are won based on performances, not excuses. Also Read: If there's one team that can beat India, it's New Zealand: Ravi Shastri Reviewing the Champions Trophy final on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: "I want to clear one thing. Tournaments are won based on performances, not excuses. It makes me laugh after watching the same questions being repeated in the press conferences to captains and coaches." Ashwin criticized opposition teams for focusing on external factors instead of their own performance. He pointed out results from the old matches and refused to agree on any potential advantage. "South Africa had played all of their matches at the same venue in 2009, they did not even qualify. India last played ODIs in UAE in the Asia Cup, it was before COVID. Other teams have toured UAE, but not India. I know one team; they come to India, lose 4-0, then say that the pitches were not good. Focus on yourselves," Ashwin said. 'Once again, New Zealand can hurt us': Ashwin Ashwin praised New Zealand for not engaging in the venue advantage debate, despite traveling over 6,000 kilometers during the tournament. Unlike other teams, New Zealand did not complain about India playing their matches in Dubai. "Let’s say New Zealand win the final or loses it, and if you go and ask someone like Williamson or Santner, they will for sure say that India played well; that is why New Zealand Cricket team have fans," Ashwin noted. He admitted that New Zealand could still pose a threat to India, especially after their impressive performance in the semifinal against South Africa. The Kiwis posted the highest ever Champions Trophy of 362 and won by 50 runs. "Let's accept that India have played class cricket and have reached the final due to top performances. I still have, I am having nerves. I am not having the greatest of feelings. After New Zealand's win against South Africa, I am feeling, 'Once again can they hurt us,'" Ashwin said. India defeated New Zealand in their last league match and will look to replicate that success in the final. However, with New Zealand’s record against India, they are expected to be a challenge in the final.