MUMBAI, India, CMC – India plan to specifically target explosive opener Chris Gayle in today’s semi-final of the Twenty20 World Cup.
India and West Indies clash at the Wankhede Stadium for a place in the final, and team director Ravi Shastri said yesterday the hosts would not let Gayle off easy.
“Bring it on. All our bowlers will target him,” Shastri warned.
Gayle smashed a sensational unbeaten century in the opening game against England but has batted only once since, scoring four against South Africa.
The left-hander leads a list of big-hitters in the West Indies side, with the likes of Marlon Samuels, Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo all capable of match-winning innings.
Shastri said though India planned to be positive, they would not be underestimating West Indies.
“I have said this at the beginning. They are probably one of the most dangerous sides in this format,” Shastri said.
“They have got explosive players, match-winners. We know what we are up against and we are up and ready as well. This is not a knock-out game for us. The knock-out was the last game. That was the quarter-final. This is the semi-final.”
The former captain also warned that India were yet to produce their best, and would be looking to hit top form.
“I still believe we have played only 70 per cent to our abilities in this tournament. There are still areas where we can improve. Let’s hope it happens tomorrow,” said Shastri.
“In a semi-final you got to get your ‘A’ game in. You can’t depend on one or two players, you need six, seven players to step up to the plate. It has not happened so far in this tournament. Let’s hope it happens.”
