Legendary Sir Viv Richards has offered a pivotal piece of advice to Team India before the semi-final stage kicks off on November 15 (Wednesday). The Men in Blue, who have succumbed in the knockout stages of ICC tournaments in the last decade, are desperate to put the records straight this time around. In order to do so, Rohit Sharma & Co. would have to find a way to not get overwhelmed by the occasion and perform in the same manner in which they have so far in the tournament.
Sir Viv Richards believes that the key for India would be to eliminate any bad thoughts during their semi-final match, which is most likely going to be against New Zealand.
"In terms of this year’s competition, India have a mindset that they can go all the way playing like this. That absolutely should be their mindset and would be mine if I was in that dressing room – let’s go out with all guns blazing. That approach has worked so far and if that changes, things may go astray," the West Indian legend told ICC.
"I believe they can go all the way unbeaten, which is really something to strive for. There may be some fears of ‘we have played so well so far, there may be a bad game around the corner in the semi-final’. They have to try and nullify those and banish any negative thoughts", he further added.
India are undefeated in the ongoing quadrennial competition, winning all eight matches they have played thus far. India and the Netherlands are scheduled to lock horns at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on November 12 (Sunday). The Men in Blue have already sealed the top-of-the-table finish and would look to continue their momentum against the Men in Orange. Rohit's men would look to tick all boxes against the Netherlands as they will play the semi-final just two days after facing the Dutch.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Star Afghanistan cricketer retires from ODIs at age 24 after team bows out of World Cup
Babar Azam likely to resign from the post of Pakistan captain after returning home; 2 big reasons come to light: Report
