New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) As Team India gears up for the crucial ICC Men's T20 World Cup final against New Zealand on Sunday, former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla asserts that mastering one's emotions will be pivotal for the host nation in this high-pressure home final.

Chawla emphasized that while the immense expectations may create tension, players must seize the moment and concentrate on showcasing their skills on the field.

“You simply need to step onto the field, manage your emotions, and express yourself. It's vital, especially with so many spectators who believe in your victory. Being labeled the favorites also adds its own layer of pressure,” Chawla conveyed to JioStar.

He acknowledged that feeling nervous is part of playing in a global final, yet the home crowd's energy can turn that anxiety into a source of inspiration.

“If anyone claims they are not feeling butterflies, they are mistaken. Once you step onto the field and feel the crowd's support cheering for you, it drives you. It's that sensation that pushes you to accomplish something extraordinary. When every player shares this mindset, the entire team unites,” he elaborated.

Chawla also highlighted that victory in a final often stems from a collective belief across the entire squad and its support system. “It's not just about the eleven players on the field; everyone involved, including those not in the playing XI and the support staff, contributes to a formidable force,” he stated.

Reflecting on India's journey to the final, Chawla pointed out wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for his significant impact in recent games.

“This is the moment every cricketer dreams of,” Chawla mentioned, recalling India's critical match against the West Indies.

“The match against the West Indies was essentially a quarter-final, and the way Sanju Samson approached that innings while chasing 195 under pressure was remarkable. He made it appear effortless. That's the beauty of his batting,” he noted.

Samson continued his aggressive play into the semifinal against England, maintaining his dynamic batting style.

“And once again, against England, he ensured he was aggressive with every delivery. We know that Wankhede offers a lot for batsmen, so you need to convert even the balls that aren’t perfectly placed into boundary opportunities,” Chawla advised.

Discussing the batting conditions at Wankhede Stadium, Chawla explained that teams often need to aim for higher totals due to the venue's favorable chasing conditions. “You should plan to score at least 20 runs more than your initial thought because it’s a chasing ground. We witnessed this when India posted over 250 runs, and at one moment we believed 250 would suffice in a high-stakes match, yet England fell just seven runs short,” he explained.

Chawla also assessed the recent challenges faced by mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, indicating that inconsistencies in his bowling lengths have diminished his effectiveness.

“Sometimes, when desperation sets in or when trying too hard, bowlers tend to overextend, and that’s what’s happening with Varun,” Chawla remarked.

“His strength lies in bowling a hard length, not the full length typical of fast bowlers, but a good length for spinners where the bounce is around knee-high. If the batsman struggles to read him off the hand, it becomes challenging given his quick delivery off the surface,” he added.

“However, when he strays from this, he tends to concede runs. He either bowls too full or too short, making it easier for the batsman when the surface bounce is true,” he continued.

As India approaches the final with soaring expectations, Chawla believes that maintaining composure and embracing the occasion will be essential in their quest to defeat New Zealand and claim the championship.