'If they are bowling first or...' - Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar suggests Rohit Sharma what to do after winning toss in semi-finals

Ahead of the crucial semifinal game against New Zealand, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar passes on a suggestion to India skipper Rohit Sharma. Gavaskar suggested to Rohit what to do after winning the toss against New Zealand in Wankhede.

author-image
Mathew K
New Update
Sunil Gavaskar and Rohit Sharma

Sunil Gavaskar and Rohit Sharma (Source: Twitter)

Ahead of the crucial semifinal game against New Zealand, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar passes on a suggestion to India skipper Rohit Sharma. Gavaskar suggested to Rohit what to do after winning the toss against New Zealand in Wankhede.

Legendary India batter Gavaskar also believes that if Indian bowling continues to do wonders, batting first or second will not matter for the hosts. While speaking with official broadcasters, Gavaskar said, "Well, if you have a good bowling attack like India has, it does not matter if they are bowling first or second."If they are bowling second, it will help because we have seen that under a little bit of dew that comes in, the ball flies to the wicketkeeper a little bit quicker."

"So, it certainly will help the three new ball bowlers in the Indian line-up for sure, and it also helps a spinner like Kuldeep Yadav to get the ball to skid out of the surface quicker. So yes, if India is defending a total bowling second, I do believe that will help also because there is scoreboard pressure; you might not be able to get 400, but 260 or 270, that will put pressure on New Zealand," added Gavaskar.

Can India avenge its 2019 World Cup loss against the Kiwis?

It's worth noting that India will face New Zealand in the ODI World Cup semifinal for the second time in a row. In the last edition in England, India faced Kane Williamson led the Black Caps in Manchester and lost the rain-interrupted game by 23 runs. In the upcoming game, India will look to avenge their last edition's defeat.

On the other hand, the Kiwis will also look to continue their dominance against India in the crucial games. Kane Williamson-led side will look to repeat their 2019 World Cup performance against the Men in Blue in Mumbai. The stage is set for a massive game between two of the best teams in the ongoing tournament.

Sunil Gavaskar ODI World Cup 2023 rohit sharma