Former Indian coach uplifts morale of Rohit Sharma and team before CT final, asserts 2019 WC score with NZ is settled: 'No room for doubt...'

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar confidently stated that the pressure of the past will not weigh on Rohit Sharma and his teammates as they gear up to take on New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy. Having maintained an impeccable record in the tournament thus far, the Indian team has displayed a superior understanding of the Dubai pitches compared to their opponents. However, with the ICC title up for grabs, the final poses a unique challenge for both sides, each eager to assert their dominance. With India having excelled in all their matches in Dubai and having previously outmatched New Zealand in the group stage, they are understandably seen as the frontrunners heading into the much-anticipated showdown.

New Zealand have inflicted a few heartbreaks on Indian fans in the past when it comes to ICC events. The big one was during the 2019 World Cup semifinal when they beat Virat Kohli's team in a rain-affected clash.

However, Bangar asserted that India did settle the account of the 2019 WC defeat in the 2023 marquee event semi-final as Rohit and co will enter the field on Sunday with the perspective of focussing on the title.

"We had settled the account of the 2019 (World Cup semi-final) loss in the 2023 World Cup semi-final. So there are no accounts to be settled now. The scales are definitely tilted towards India. There is no need to peek into history because the Indian team's present is very bright and I see a good future as well," Bangar said on Star Sports.

‘Indian team needs to follow the basics’: Piyush Chawla

New Zealand, for their part, dominated the Pakistan leg of the Champions Trophy. They knocked out Pakistan and Bangladesh in the group games. They also turn up big in the semifinal and pummel South Africa to book a ticket to final in Dubai against India.

Meanwhile, 2011 World Cup-winning star Piyush Chawla said that the Men in Blue have covered all the bases and need to stick to the basics to get over the line in the big clash.

"When you have reached such a big stage after working so hard, you want to win the tournament. The Indian team's form is looking good. Whether we talk about batting or bowling, all bases are covered. I feel it shouldn't be that difficult if the Indian team follows just the basics," he observed.

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