India continued their domination in ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 with nine consecutive wins in the league stage. Now, they will be facing old foes New Zealand who have been a menace in the ICC knockout events for the Indian side. Ross Taylor who scored a crucial half-century in World Cup 2019 semifinal in Manchester feels that Rohit Sharma's side will be nervous against the Kiwis when they taken the field at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
"As New Zealand prepare to take on India in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-finals, it is impossible not to look back at the parallels with 2019," Taylor told ICC ahead of the Blockbuster clash on November 15.
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"Four years ago, India went into the semi-final as the form side in the tournament, while we were more focused on ensuring our net run-rate would keep Pakistan out of reach for the final spot in the top four.
"This time around, India are even bigger favourites, at home and having played so well during the group stage. But when we have nothing to lose, New Zealand teams can be dangerous.
"If there is a team that India will be nervous facing, it will be this New Zealand side," said the 39-year-old.
Taylor stressed the importance of coin toss in Mumbai as the team chasing has lost early wickets at the venue. He lauded Indian top-order batters Rohit, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli who have been in fine form. He feels that the first 10 overs will be crucial even if they field first.
"The toss is important but if New Zealand can start well with bat and ball, that will give them a lot of confidence to stay in the fight.
"The first ten overs in both innings are crucial. When India are batting, you want to get them two or three down in the first ten overs to put them under pressure. They rely heavily on an excellent top three.
"There is Shubman Gill, the number one player in the world, and then Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. We need to try to make inroads and put the middle order under pressure.
"Then when India are bowling, it is similar. You want to score runs but it is also vital we keep wickets in hand against weapons like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami.
"When they get on a roll, they can be a lethal force, and the spinners can really pile on the pressure. If you keep wickets in hand, that is when it becomes a bit easier, rather than having to chase the game," said Taylor.
Taylor is in awe of young BlackCaps batter Rachin Ravindra who is their leading run-scorer in the tournament with three centuries to his name.
"It will be a big day for Rachin Ravindra. When you have a guy who is named after a combination of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, it is special to play India in India in a World Cup semi-final.
"We needed someone to score heavily in the tournament. I am not sure many people would have expected it to be Rachin but I have been really impressed, not only by the runs he has scored but also the way he has gone about it, his tempo and calmness.
"He is just going out there and batting like he did as a little kid. He has not put any pressure on himself and I hope he continues to do that. He has a big part to play in the semi-final and in the future for New Zealand.
"It is funny to think that if Michael Bracewell had made it to the World Cup, Rachin probably would not have made it. Luck has probably played a part, but we all need that," he added.
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