Four years since their heart-wrenching defeat on the 2019 World Cup, India have an opportunity to avenge that loss after they tackle the identical opponents, New Zealand within the first semi-final of the 2023 World Cup. India have been unbeaten up to now within the event, and begin favourites to clip Kiwi wings at Mumbai’s Wankhede, however that is the BlackCaps we’re speaking about, who’ve at all times had the wooden over India. Then once more, not one of the New Zealand groups of the previous have come up in opposition to an Indian unit fairly like this.
MS Dhoni was an emotional wreck after India misplaced to New Zealand within the 2019 World Cup semi-final(Getty Images)
As the lion fell inches quick, resulting in a nation-wide heartbreak, it marked the tip of MS Dhoni’s worldwide profession. As India misplaced by 18 runs, Team India, a bunch of adults, broke into child-like tears, and it was justified. They had completed as the highest staff after the league stage and the World Cup was theirs for the taking. ’40 minutes of dangerous cricket’ and their World Cup desires went up in smoke.
Most of the gamers from that squad are right here. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav need to proper the wrongs from 2019 Manchester. With already a lot hype surrounding the competition, former India coach Ravi Shastri scaled it even additional, when he recalled how the blokes, together with Dhoni, had been in tears and backed this Indian staff to complete the story.
Also Read: India vs New Zealand Live Score World Cup 2023 Semifinal
“I was in that dressing room and I know. Like this year, they finished on top of the table that time as well after the round-robin. And even the great man shed a tear, MS Dhoni. He locked himself away but you knew what was going through his mind. So when you play that well and you stumble in the knockout stage, it does hurt. But they would have learnt from that mistake. They were 4 years wiser; there are 7-8 players still playing from that squad in this year’s semifinal and I think it will be better from that experience,” Shastri advised host broadcaster forward of the semi-final.
Yes, the similarities are surreal. India had been unbeaten in 2015 World Cup as nicely, earlier than dropping to Australia within the semi-final. Yes, they have not gained an ICC trophy in 10 years. And sure, they’re dealing with a staff that has made the ultimate of three World Cups within the final 8 years. But however, India have crushed New Zealand this 12 months – thrice in a bilateral at residence for a 3-0 sweep and most just lately, within the league stage of the World Cup simply final month. While the fears are apparent, Shastri underlined a few elements that make India poised to break-free of that dreaded sample.
“They are playing at home, which makes a massive difference. When you know your conditions, and you’ve got the support of your crowd, it puts pressure on you alright but it plays a massive part in your favour,” identified Shastri.
- ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
