(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] In the build-up to the highly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final clash at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, the Indian cricket team stood undefeated in the league stage. While the team carries an edge over the New Zealand side, past records indicate that crunch situations have occasionally played the villain, disrupting the momentum of the Men in Blue.
However, the current Indian outfit, displaying resilience and courage throughout the tournament, appears well-prepared to tackle such situations in the knockout stage.
India captain Rohit Sharma, speaking at the pre-match press conference, emphasized the importance of backing players to play freely without added pressure.
“As a captain, if you have decided this is how you want to play then you must have clarity. You have to back the players to the hilt. We have backed certain players whom we have given certain roles. We’ll back players and stand with them,” Rohit said as quoted.
“We have to give credit to Rahul Dravid for buying into that thought and not shuffle much when it doesn’t come off. We’ll continue to do that in future as well. Role clarity and giving guys the freedom. One moment was when all four of us bowled and crowd enjoyed the moment,” stated the 36-year-old, giving credit to Dravid for maintaining consistency in team selection even when things do not go as planned.
Turning the focus to the upcoming clash versus New Zealand, Rohit acknowledged the Kiwi side as the “most disciplined team”. Recognizing New Zealand’s smart and consistent cricket, he underlined the side’s understanding of their opponent’s mentality.
“Whenever we have come up against New Zealand, probably the most disciplined team. They play their cricket very smartly. They understand the mentality of their oppositions, so do we. They have been very consistent playing semis and finals from 2015 onwards. We do understand what they bring to the table,” Rohit concluded.