India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, expressed confidence in his team's ability to handle the pressure of the World Cup semi-final following a convincing victory over the Netherlands in Bengaluru.
Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the Indian side has maintained an unbeaten run in the league stage, setting the stage for a challenging semi-final clash against New Zealand in the World Cup 2023.
Dravid, reflecting on the team's performance, conveyed assurance in their capacity to navigate the pressure of the upcoming semi-final encounter.
The focus now shifts to the crucial match, where India will strive to continue their impressive form and secure a spot in the World Cup final.
"I think it would be inauthentic to say it's just another game (the semi-final). I think it's a bit inauthentic. Yes, of course, it's a semi-final. But I think our processes are not going to change. We do recognize that it's an important game; it's a knockout game. We have to accept the fact that there will be a certain amount of pressure," Dravid told the broadcasters.
"I think the way we have responded to pressure so far gives us a lot of belief and a lot of confidence. I don't think we will change anything in the way we prepare or the way we train. I am really confident; just the vibe in the group and the energy in the group are really good at this point in time. All we can do is play what is in front of us. Staying in the moment. Plan well, prepare well, and play a good game of cricket," Dravid added.
In addition to his confidence in the team's ability to handle the pressure of the World Cup semi-final, coach Rahul Dravid expressed satisfaction with the consistent performance of Shreyas Iyer in the latter stages of the tournament.
Iyer's contributions have likely played a significant role in India's success, and his consistency is a positive sign as they approach the crucial stages of the World Cup.
Dravid's acknowledgment of Iyer's performance highlights the team's overall strength and the individual contributions that have been pivotal to their success in the competition.
"Shreyas Iyer is the backbone of our middle order, and we all know how tough it has been for us to find a good No. 4 batter for the last 10 years," Dravid said.
(With Agency Inputs)
