Mumbai, March 3: Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has stated that the team will not shy away from the pressure of knockout matches ahead of India's semi-final clash against the two-time champions, England, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
"One thing is very clear: we must embrace the pressure. We will face it, and if at any time we feel we are under pressure, we must take the positive approach. Enjoy playing this game, this is what you play this game for, this sport for, this is what you have played your entire life," Gambhir said in a video released by the BCCI.
Gambhir, who was part of India's 2007 and 2011 World Cup-winning squads, also embraced the pressure of playing a knockout match at home. He advised the team to maintain a positive attitude and be brave when facing England.
"Games like this at home, knockout-style matches, so we must go out there with excitement, not under pressure. Anytime during the next 40 overs, if you feel the pressure, we must take the positive approach. Okay, be brave, be courageous, enjoy it, enjoy playing for the country, and most importantly, enjoy playing for each other," Gambhir said.
"Okay, good luck. Skip. Good energy. Let's go, boys, let's go. Let's go," Gambhir added.
India and England, one of cricket's oldest rivalries, will add another chapter with this clash. But, this is not the first time they have faced each other. Both teams are meeting in the semi-final for the third consecutive time.
The two sides first met in the semi-final stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, where England registered a dominant 10-wicket victory.
The teams also met in the 2024 World Cup, where India emerged victorious with a dominant 68-run win.
