At an event in Chennai, Shastri encouraged India to remain steadfast in their game plans. He emphasized that in the title clash, India don’t need to make any deviations from their established approach.”I think they will be relaxed.They are playing at home, and it’s a very experienced side, and they don’t need to do anything different. The way they have played…it will be around the way they had left in the last game. They should be holding that cup very soon.
“India will win the World Cup. They will start as favourites in the final. They have played outstandingly well,” Shastri said.
Even though India secured a victory against Australia in the league stage, they are expected to face pressure against the five-time world champions, known for their impressive record in ICC finals.
However, Shastri remains optimistic, asserting that if the Men in Blue can maintain composure and handle pressure effectively, they have the potential to emerge victorious.
“They just need to be composed and calm, handling and soaking in the pressure. You (India) don’t want to be over-excited just because it’s a final.
“You (India) know what your roles are, and the good thing is this team doesn’t depend on one or two players. There are eight or nine players performing game after game, so that’s a brilliant sign,” he said.
The ex-India all-rounder commended the in-form seamer Mohammed Shami for his remarkable performance in the tournament. Shami currently leads the bowling charts with 23 wickets, including a notable seven-wicket haul in the semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai.
Expressing his confidence, the former player believes that Shami will play a crucial role in the final scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
“The very first ball, if he (Shami) is sprinting in, (I wish) good luck to the batters. The seam presentation, the way the ball lands… What he has done in this World Cup is to consistently hit the right lengths,” he said.
ICC World Cup: Australia beat South Africa by 3 wickets in second semifinal to set up title clash with India
“Even in Mumbai, he was troubling the batsmen with his skills. Not many got the ball to move around, but he got to do it and got the outside edges.
“I say this is the best Indian bowling attack. When you look at the variety and skill set, it’s amazing.”
(With PTI inputs)