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Rohit Sharma with Kuldeep Yadav [AP]
After an exciting league stage, we are moving towards the business end of the World Cup 2023, with the knockouts set to begin on November 15. On Wednesday, India will be up against New Zealand in the first semifinal at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Thus, the two teams will face each other in a World Cup semifinal for the second consecutive time.
The Blackcaps got the better of the Men in Blue last time in a match which was played over two days due to relentless rain on the first day. So, Rohit Sharma and his men will be looking to make things even and get through to the final this time, eyeing their third title in history.
Speaking to the media ahead of the first semifinal, team India captain Rohit Sharma reflected on various aspects of the team India's journey so far in the tournament and signified the team's current focus on the present.
When asked about Kuldeep Yadav's performance against the Kiwis earlier in the league stage clash, Sharma was full of praise about the chinaman's fearlessness with the ball and ability to bounce back quickly.
“He is not afraid to get hit. Against New Zealand, it was a perfect example where the batters were trying to put him under pressure but he eventually got those couple of wickets for us,” Sharma said.
Kuldeep went for 48 runs in his initial five overs against New Zealand in Dharamsala, but fought back hard and got two important wickets, giving away just 25 runs in his remaining five overs. Sharma further acknowledged Kuldeep’s attitude as a spin bowler and will to bounce back from adversity, making a positive impact for the team.
“In terms of the strategy as well, you don't mind getting hit (as a spinner). But the will to come back and finish off really strong is what matters and that is what he (Kuldeep) did in Dharamsala. You have to bowl and you have to come back and that is the attitude that Kuldeep has,” the Indian skipper added.
The surface at the Wankhede Stadium has been very good to bat on in the afternoon. The seam bowlers do get some early movement with the new-ball but overall, it has been a paradise for the teams batting first.
However, the table turns pretty much in the second innings with seamers getting significant movement both in the air and off the pitch. Therefore, considering what we have seen at this venue in the tournament so far, it will be interesting to see Kuldeep’s outing in the semifinal, particularly if India bowls first against New Zealand on this surface.
 "Kaushik Kashyap")
