INDIA need to raise their performance in tomorrow’s World Cup semi-final against “dangerous” Pakistan if they aim to win the showpiece event, coach Gary Kirsten has said.
He also added Pakistan were known for playing “fearless” cricket, according to the Hindustan Times, which today published excerpts of a 16-page document, “Roadmap to Success”, prepared by the coach on how to win the World Cup.
“A combination of big-hitters and a potent pace attack with a decent spin attack to follow the pacers makes Pakistan a very dangerous side which is very well known to play fearless cricket,” Kirsten said in the dossier.
The former South African batsman also said inconsistency was Pakistan’s main concern.
“Pakistan as a team over the years have a tendency to blow hot and cold,” said Kirsten.
“It’s a great chance for Pakistan to show the world what they are capable of … The tag of dark horses suits them and enables them to perform harder (eg 2009 ICC World Twenty20 victory).”
Kirsten also highlights the areas where India need to improve, like batting a full quota of 50 overs, making the most of batting powerplay, fielding and the support for in-form paceman Zaheer Khan.
“Our weak link so far, it (powerplay) should be taken only towards the close of an innings. The crucial aspect is not to hit every ball out of the park, but to take advantage of the field restrictions,” Kirsten said.
“Only Zaheer has been up to the mark, others, especially (a) senior spinner, should rise to the occasion.”
The India coach described record-breaking batsman Sachin Tendulkar as his “hero” and all-rounder Yuvraj Singh as the “Superman”.
Yuvraj has already scored 341 runs in seven matches with one hundred and four half-centuries at an astonishing average of 113.66, while Tendulkar is one short of completing 100 international centuries.
“Almost 38, Sachin is still my hero; with two centuries in the tournament he is the backbone of the side,” said Kirsten.
“Who thought after 15 months of struggle Yuvi will make such a comeback! He is my man of the tournament and the Superman.”
The dossier, already circulated to the players, also includes tips on diet and avoiding stress.
