India will be nervous facing New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Wednesday, reckons Ross Taylor, drawing parallels from the campaigns of both teams in the 2019 edition.
New Zealand had stopped India's dominant run four years ago when they beat the Virat Kohli-led side in the rain-hit semi-final at Manchester.
Like 2019, India go into the semi-finals as table toppers. New Zealand, who started the tournament well, finished fourth in the league stage with five wins in nine games.
"As New Zealand prepare to take on India in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-finals, it is impossible not to look back at the parallels with 2019," Taylor, who was part of that semi-final in Manchester, told ICC.
"Four years ago, India went into the semi-final 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.
"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," said one of the most prolific batters from New Zealand.
However, New Zealand's task will be difficult.
"We're up against it, of course, but that was also the case in 2019. That was a two-day one-day game! (due to rain)," he recalled.
Wankhede is usually a high-scoring venue.
Taylor said if New Zealand can strike early, it will put tremendous pressure on the Indian middle-order.
"The toss is important but if New Zealand can start well, that will give them a lot of confidence to stay in the fight. The mighty Indians will be in trouble."
Rachin Ravindra has been the stand-out batter for New Zealand, amassing 565 runs in his first World Cup including three 100s. He holds the key for New Zealand, said Taylor.
"It will be a big day for Rachin Ravindra. When you have a guy who is named after a combination of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, it is special to play India in India in a World Cup semi-final.
"We needed someone to score heavily. I am not sure many people would have expected it to be Rachin but I have been really impressed, not only by the runs he has scored but also the way he has gone about it.
"He is just going out there and batting like he did as a little kid. He has not put any pressure on himself. It is funny to think that if Michael Bracewell had made it to the World Cup, Rachin probably would not have made it. Luck has probably played a part, but we all need that," he added.
