Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has noted that India has not had the best of semifinal experiences at the Wankhede Stadium and they would be determined to turn the tables against England on Thursday. India lost the 1987 ODI World Cup semifinal against England at the Wankhede Stadium and also lost the 2016 T20 World Cup semis against the West Indies at the same venue.
However, Gavaskar highlighted that the West Indies had also not lost a knockout World Cup match at Eden Gardens before Sunday but India was able to change that stat. The Little Master said India has the team to go all the way in the World Cup.
Sunil Gavaskar said via Cricbuzz, “Well, the other day, I mean, somebody said yesterday as well that, you know, West Indies had never lost a knockout game at the Eden Gardens. But that was broken yesterday. So, it’s a new era, a new team. So, yes, I think India have not had the best of semifinal experiences at the Wankhede. But I do believe that they have the capability to go all the way.”
Gavaskar said both India and England have a balanced team and they would be looking to deliver the goods.
“I think it’s going to be another cracker of a game, just like this sort of quarter-final against the West Indies was, because both sides are very well matched. They have got batting. They have got bowling. They have got a middle order. They have got, you know, the finisher. Both teams have finishers. Both teams have variety in their bowling.”
The legendary batter advised Indian batters not to always bat in the topmost gear and bat according to the pitch and match situation.
He concluded, “My advice would be to not always look to bat in the fourth gear. Maybe, you know, look to up the gears as you settle in. Yes, you want to take advantage of the power play, where only two fielders are outside the 30-metre circle. You certainly want to take advantage of that. Play to your strengths. But don’t always have to look to bat in the fourth gear.”
India will take on England in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday.
