World Cup, India vs New Zealand: If there's a team India will be nervous facing, it's New Zealand - says Ross Taylor

India head into the ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand as the favorites, but the hosts will be apprehensive about confronting a team that proves most formidable when playing without the burden of expectations, according to former Black Caps skipper Ross Taylor.

Having been a crucial member of the New Zealand squad that shattered India's aspirations in the 2019 semi-final at Old Trafford, the 39-year-old Taylor expressed confidence in his team's ability to create another upset in Mumbai on Wednesday, potentially propelling them into a third consecutive final.





"Four years ago India went into the semi-final in Manchester as the form side in the tournament while we were more focused on ensuring our net run-rate would keep Pakistan out of reach for the final spot in the top four," Taylor wrote in his ICC column.

"This time around, India are even bigger favourites, at home and having played so well during the group stage. But when we have nothing to lose, New Zealand teams can be dangerous. If there is a team that India will be nervous facing, it will be this New Zealand side."

Having emerged victorious in all nine of their league matches this year, India stand as the sole team to achieve such a feat. This includes a four-wicket triumph over New Zealand in Dharamsala. However, Taylor noted that conditions at the Wankhede Stadium, known for its batting-friendly nature, would present a different challenge.

"When India are batting, you want to get them two or three down in the first 10 overs to put them under pressure. They rely heavily on an excellent top three," Taylor said.

"There's Shubman Gill, the number one player in the world, and then Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. We need to try to make inroads and put the middle-order under pressure. If you can do that, it stifles them and affects how early they can assert their dominance.

"When they're bowling, it's similar. You want to score runs but it's also vital we keep wickets in hand against weapons like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami."

(With Reuters inputs)