According to former New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor, the Indian team might be feeling nervous about facing the Blackcaps in the World Cup semi-final on November 15.
While India has been in exceptional form in the ongoing tournament, memories of the 2019 World Cup still linger in the minds of fans. In the previous edition, both teams clashed at the same stage, with New Zealand emerging victorious.
Back in 2019, India entered the semi-final as the form team in the tournament, while New Zealand was more focused on ensuring their net run rate stayed ahead of Pakistan for the final spot in the top four.
“This time around, India is even more of a favorite, playing at home and having performed exceptionally well during the group stage. However, when we have nothing to lose, New Zealand teams can be dangerous,” Taylor stated to the ICC.
According to Taylor, if New Zealand can make early breakthroughs, it will put significant pressure on the Indian middle-order.
“The toss is crucial, but if New Zealand can start strongly with both bat and ball, it will boost their confidence to stay competitive. The initial ten overs in both innings are pivotal. When India is batting, getting two or three wickets down in the first ten overs is crucial to apply pressure, given their reliance on a formidable top three – Shubman Gill, the top-ranked player globally, and then Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. We need to make inroads and pressurize the middle order.”
“When India is bowling, it’s a similar scenario. Scoring runs is important, but it’s also vital to keep wickets in hand, especially against bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami. When they hit their stride, they can be lethal, and the spinners can add immense pressure. Keeping wickets in hand makes it easier, rather than having to play catch-up,” explained Taylor
