The current World Cup edition bears an uncanny resemblance to the tournaments of 2003, 2015, and 2019. India has now achieved an impressive run of eight consecutive wins, just as they did in 2003. They remain unbeaten in the league stage, mirroring their performance in 2015 and 2023.
Additionally, they are well on their way to finishing atop the points table, replicating their feat in 2019. However, what is equally noticeable is that in none of these three previous World Cup editions did India manage to clinch the title. Their journey was marred by losses in the knockout stage – in the semifinals in 2015 and 2019 and the final in 2003. When the stakes were at their highest, India crumbled under pressure, allowing the title to slip through their grasp.
After India’s emphatic 243-run victory over South Africa, Misbah-ul-Haq shared his thoughts during a conversation with ASports. He emphasized that while the group stage performances are commendable, they carry a different weight when it comes to the knockout stage. As a team continues to perform well and builds a reputation as a favourite, the pressure intensifies.
Misbah pointed out that once a team manages to put India under pressure in a critical knockout encounter, the Men in Blue will have a lot to lose. Misbah’s warning suggests that the road to the World Cup title is fraught with challenges and that India’s unbeaten run, while impressive, may not guarantee success in the crucial knockout matches.
“One thing is confirmed. Yes, this is the group stage, fine, but when they go into the knockout stage, the more a team keeps playing well and becomes the favourite, the more is the pressure. And once a team puts them under pressure in 1-2 overs, they will have a lot to lose. There is still an outside chance for other teams,” Misbah said.
Shoaib Malik, a veteran Pakistan batter who was part of the discussion, voiced his opinion, stating, “I see Australia, who will give them a tough time.” Misbah concurred with this assessment. While Australia has yet to secure a semifinal berth at the time of this discussion, they are considered one of the top contenders among the teams still in contention.
‘I Am Never Going To Be As Good As Him’, Virat Kohli Outstanding Statement After Equalling Sachin’s 49th Hundred Record
Misbah-ul-Haq went on to highlight the mental aspect of challenging India. He stressed the need for opposing teams to free themselves mentally from the situation. India’s impressive performance in the tournament has put tremendous pressure on other teams even before the match begins. To succeed against India, teams must believe in their strengths and mentally prepare to overcome the formidable Indian team.
“I feel you need to get out of the situation mentally first. They have already won 50 per cent of the battle by putting every other team under pressure by playing so well in the tournament so far. So to win, teams have to believe that they can overcome this mentally and beat India,” he said.
