(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India head coach Rahul Dravid, ahead of the team’s last league match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against the Netherlands scheduled on 12th November, emphatically stated that there are unlikely to make any changes to the playing XI.
With a flawless record of winning all eight league matches, India is poised to enter the semi-finals undefeated after their upcoming encounter with the Netherlands in Bengaluru. Speculations had circulated regarding possible changes to rest key players ahead of the crucial semi-final clash against New Zealand, scheduled on 15th November at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Addressing these rumours, Dravid dropped a subtle hint during the press conference, emphasizing that the players have had ample rest since India’s last game on previous Sunday at the Eden Gardens against South Africa.
“We have had six days off since the last game. We are pretty well rested. The guys are in good shape. We have six days off and just one game before the semi-final, boys are rested, so… that is all I will say,” Dravid said as quoted in the pre-match press conference.
As the tournament reaches its pinnacle, Dravid stressed on the importance of concentrating on the players who are likely to be part of the playing XI in the knockout stage.
“We are at the point end of the tournament now. Right now it is about focusing on the guys who you think will be in the playing XI. That is the best possible place mentally and physically ahead of the semi-final and hopefully the final if we earn it,” Dravid affirmed.