Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Indian team, expressed confidence before the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15. Dravid emphasized that the team has handled pressure well so far in the tournament and everybody is ready for the Black Caps.
“We’re confident that our bowlers can contribute with the bat and we are really confident heading into the semi-finals,” said Dravid after the match against the Netherlands in Bengaluru.
“We can say that it is just another game. We have our processes and it’s not going to change. We have to accept that there is going to be some amount of pressure, but the way boys have responded under pressure, we are really confident. All we can do is stay in the present moment and do what we possibly can. Plan well, prepare well and hopefully, we will get the desired result.”
After India’s ninth consecutive win, Dravid said: “We focused on one game each. We are very pleased with how we have played throughout the tournament. We have been very clinical from game one to today. We have had to shift to different venues for different games and adapt to the conditions.”
Dravid lauded the team’s collective effort, highlighting how different players have stepped up on various occasions. “Different individuals have stepped up and put their hands up and done the job. Everyone wanted to take the responsibility. Playing in different venues was a challenge. But we have adapted well. We started the tournament with four chasing games in a row. Then we had to bat first, and the pacers did the job along with the spinners. The result matters to keep the dressing room lively. At the end of the day, we are playing for India, and there will be expectations.”
Shreyas Iyer smashed his maiden World Cup century in the match against the Netherlands. It was his third consecutive 50-plus score. Reflecting on his knock, Iyer said: “I feel the recent scores helped me in this innings. The wicket was tacky and two-paced. I just wanted to capitalize on the start and I was able to do that. I have worked a lot on that (straight) shot. I was just trying to hit it straight. It’s about keeping the head straight and about the follow through of the bat when I am trying to play the slog shot.”
Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards said the Indian team is going to be tough to beat. “They are going to be an extremely hard side to beat in this World Cup,” said Edwards.