India’s head coach Rahul Dravid has lauded his team’s exceptional consistency in reaching a staggering three ICC finals within the past year. They now stand on the cusp of glory in the ongoing T20 World Cup, facing South Africa in the summit clash at Barbados’ Kensington Oval.
This accomplishment mirrors their performance at the 50-over World Cup held in India last year, where they fell short at the final hurdle against Australia.
“It’s a positive sign that we’ve been playing good cricket consistently,” Dravid said, quoted by PTI. “We’ve been in finals across all three formats, and the credit goes to the players. If we play well and have some luck on our side, we’ll surely win.”
Limited Time for Mental Preparation, But Coach Confident
With just a day separating the semifinal and final, India has minimal time for elaborate mental preparation. However, Dravid expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle the pressure.
“In terms of preparation, we only have a day in between, so practice sessions are unlikely,” he explained. “The focus is on ensuring everyone is physically, mentally, and tactically prepared for the game.”
Learning from Past Final Losses? Coach Says Focus is on the Present
India’s heartbreaking losses in the WTC final and the 2023 ODI World Cup final raise questions about learning from past experiences. Dravid, however, believes dwelling on the past won’t be productive.
“We were well-prepared in Ahmedabad,” he said regarding the ODI World Cup final loss. “We did everything right, but on that day, the other team played better. That’s the nature of sport. South Africa are a good team too, and they deserve to be in the final just as much as we do. We just hope to play better cricket on the day.”
Familiarity with Barbados Pitch? A Double-Edged Sword
India played a Super 8 match against Afghanistan in Barbados, where scoring runs proved challenging. While acknowledging the benefit of having played on the surface before, Dravid cautioned against complacency.
“It’s good to have some familiarity with the pitch,” he said. “But wickets can change significantly, so we can’t expect the exact same surface.”
He commended the team’s collective effort and adaptability throughout the tournament. “We’ve shown the ability to recognize a good score and adjust our approach based on the pitch conditions,” Dravid explained.
Confident About India’s Resilience and South Africa’s Clean Slate
South Africa finally broke their long-standing semifinal jinx at the World Cup. Dravid believes they’ll enter the final unburdened by past baggage.
“Players are good at moving on,” he said. “Both teams deserve to be here, and hopefully, it’ll be a great contest. We’re looking to be on the winning side this time.”
With both teams boasting exceptional talent and a hunger for victory, the T20 World Cup final promises to be a thrilling encounter.
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