(AFP Photo)
Former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth believes that under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India has a chance to reclaim their pride against Australia in the T20 World Cup Super Eight clash, marking the end of their campaign.
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, secured their sixth ODI World Cup title in 2023 by defeating India in the final by six wickets at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. India had been undefeated in the tournament until their stumble in the summit clash.
In the ongoing T20 World Cup, India maintains an unblemished record with five consecutive victories, including two wins in the Super Eight stage against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, respectively.
“Playing against Australia in the upcoming T20 World Cup is going to be very emotional. I know how much this match means to the team and the fans, especially after our loss to them in the ODI World Cup at home. It will be more than just a game; it will be a chance for redemption and to show our resilience.
“The way we have been playing in the tournament till now has surely boosted the confidence of the players before the highly awaited clash of titans. I hope the boys will turn their emotions into strength and give it everything they have,” Sreesanth said on ‘Caught & Bold’ show on Disney+ Hotstar.
According to former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla, selecting a well-rounded lineup will be pivotal for both teams. He emphasized the significance of spinners in dismantling partnerships during the crucial middle overs.
“We have a crucial match against Australia and the pitch conditions will play a significant role. Our playing 11 needs to be well-balanced, with a mix of pace and spin to exploit these conditions. Australian batters are aggressive and pose a real threat, but we can counter that with disciplined bowling. It’s essential for our bowlers to maintain tight lines and lengths, vary their pace, and make smart use of the conditions,” he said.
“Spinners can play a key role by targeting the middle overs to break partnerships and keep the pressure on. If we stick to our plans and execute well, we can negate the Australian batting threat and put ourselves in a strong position to win,” Chawla added.
India is set to face Australia in their last Super Eight game at Gros Islet, St Lucia, this Monday. A victory would secure a semi-final spot for the Men in Blue, whereas a loss would leave them relying on the outcome of the Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh match on Tuesday.
