T20 World Cup 2022 – It’s a big pressure game and they need to control their nerves – Shikhar Dhawan on India’s semi-final clash

India’s ODI opener Shikhar Dhawan reckons the semifinal clash against England will be a big pressure game and the team will need to control their nerves. Team India has been at their best in the ongoing T20 World Cup as they topped Group 2 in the Super 12 stage after winning four out of their five matches.

India registered a convincing win of 71 runs against Zimbabwe at the SCG, Sydney on Sunday. Meanwhile, India will have their work cut out against England in the all-important semifinal clash.

Team India hasn’t been at their absolute best in the knockout matches of the ICC events and they would want to turn the tables. India has ticked the right boxes and they would like to continue the same show against the Three Lions.

India will want their experienced players to step up on the big stage in the crucial game. The team will certainly have the advantage if they win the pivotal stages of the match against the Jos Buttler-led team.

Shikhar Dhawan said while talking to India Today, “They have to play good cricket in Australia and everyone knows their role. When the team performs with collective effort, as any championship is not won based on individual excellence.”

“If we look at the moment, then everyone is performing and that is a good sign for our team. It’s a big pressure game and they need to control their nerves and be in the present.”

Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan has observed Arshdeep Singh from close quarters while playing for Punjab Kings in the IPL. Dhawan said Singh is a match-winner and he is going to hold the key. Singh has scalped 10 wickets in five matches at an average of 14.10 and an economy rate of 7.43 in the ongoing T20I showpiece.

“He is a match-winner and if you look, he won us the last game against Bangladesh in the last over. Of course, he has great skills but as a youngster, he has a great understanding of his strengths.

“As an individual, you should know your strength and how you work on their matters. Arshdeep’s self-belief is very strong even when he dropped the catch against Pakistan and suffered too much criticism in the Asia Cup. He didn’t shatter his self-confidence, instead, he channelized his energy and used it for his benefit and that’s what champions do.”

India will take on England at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.