Virat Kohli
may not have been on song in this
T20 World Cup
, having scored just 66 runs in six innings, but England's head coach Matthew Mott remains cautious of the threat that the Indian batting legnd poses.
Mott acknowledges Kohli's ability to elevate his game during critical moments and anticipates that the experienced batsman will bring his A-game to the crucial semifinal clash.
The England coach emphasized that his team is well-prepared to face the challenge presented by Kohli and the formidable Indian lineup.
As the two cricketing giants prepare to battle it out for a spot in the final, Mott and his team are focused on executing their strategies effectively to neutralize the impact of India's key players, including Kohli, and secure a victory that would take them one step closer to defending their title.
"Virat has proven his class over a very long period of time and he is one of the players we've prepared well for. We know how he can play; we know how destructive he can be and we also know his game smartness. If the game demands an innings of a different nature, he's got that skill," Mott was quoted by ICC.
"So he's definitely a key player for them and like we've said...what's happened throughout this tournament means nothing tomorrow when we face off against each other - big players step up in the big moments. We're hoping our players do that but you can expect him (Kohli) to do exactly the same," he added.
The game is a replay of the 2022 semifinal between England and India. In that game, played at the Adelaide Oval, the English team dominated, securing a commanding 10-wicket victory.
However, the playing environment in the Caribbean will be significantly different compared to the conditions faced two years prior. Mott asserts that the side that quickly adjusts to these unfamiliar surroundings will likely emerge victorious.
"I don't think anyone starts at an advantage or disadvantage in a semi-final. I think it's who adapts (to the conditions) the quickest. I think you can come in with preconceived ideas, but our mantra has always been playing what's in front of us," said Mott.
"I've arrived today, there's no wind today, but we can expect that there will be some wind. And probably the key advantage for us is having someone like (former West Indies all-rounder) Kieron Pollard in our camp, whose intel on all the islands and what we can expect has been invaluable. He's got a great presence within our group and the way he goes about it," he concluded.
English (US) ·