India will qualify for semi-finals but they need something special to win the World Cup: Brian Lara

India has not won a single ICC tournament after 2013 Champions trophy. On several occasions, the Men in Blue have gone close without cross the winning line. Now, Brian Lara, the former legendary batsman from West Indies has come up with important advice for Team India that might help them to win a prestigious tournament.

Virat Kohli and Co have certainly dominated across all the formats. They have world-class players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and many more, who have proved their mantle in international cricket. But, they have found it difficult to lift an ICC Trophy in the last six years. Earlier, this year they were the favourite to win the 50 over World Cup but they choked in the semi-finals against New Zealand.

Brian Lara gives advice to Team India

On the inauguration of the first Women’s National Cricket Tournament for the Blind, Brian Lara said that it is not difficult for India to qualify for semi-finals or finals. So, every opponent comes up with a strategy to which player they will target in the crucial games. Every team knows that if they dismiss Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma then there’s a chance to defeat Team India. The same happened in the 2019 World Cup where New Zealand came with the same plan and it worked for their side.

He also feels that the West Indies in 1975 and 1979 were successful because they had ticked all the boxes that a team needs to cover in order to win an ICC tournament. The same goes for Australia, who won three consecutive World cup in 1999,2003 and 2007. However, India have to make sure that all their 11 players should be aware of their role and think in one direction. And, this will surely help Virat Kohli and his troops in winning several marquee events.

“India is going to make the semis or the knockouts. So everybody is gearing up for that match. You look at the way New Zealand played against India. They knew who to target. India has to appreciate that the invincibility of West Indies in 1975 and 1979 and Australia (in 1999, 2003, 2007) was because they ticked all the boxes.

“The Aussies were so dominant and in 2003 and 2007, they were the strongest. But they made sure they ticked all the boxes and stayed a step ahead of every single team. You felt there is always an opportunity to beat India if Kohli and Rohit don’t score. India has to make sure that all 11 players move in one direction and know their role, at every single stage. (Then) they can win many, many World Cups,” Brian Lara said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

It is important advice for India ahead of the T20 World Cup which is slated to be held next year in Australia. They need to make sure that they are not dependent on two or three individuals and come up with a strong team effort in the mega event.

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