New Delhi, Mar 3 (UNI) India head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged his players to embrace the pressure of knockouts as the defending champions prepare to face two-time winners England in the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Gambhir made it clear that India would not shy away from the magnitude of the occasion.
“One thing is very clear: make sure that we don’t hide away from the pressure. We embrace it, we face it, and if at any time we feel we are under pressure, make sure we take the positive route. Enjoy playing this game, this is what you play this game for, this sport for, this is what you’ve played all your life,” Gambhir said.
A member of India’s 2007 and 2011 World Cup-winning squads, Gambhir acknowledged the added weight of playing a knockout at home but insisted the team must channel it positively.
“Games like this at home, knockout kind of a game, so make sure we go out there excited, not under any pressure. Anytime for the next 40 overs, if you feel the pressure, make sure we take the positive route. Okay, be brave, be courageous, enjoy it, enjoy playing for the country, and most importantly, enjoy playing for each other,” he said.
“Okay, good luck. Skip. Good energy. Let’s go, boys, let’s go. Let’s go,” Gambhir added.
The semi-final adds another chapter to one of cricket’s oldest rivalries. This will be the third consecutive T20 World Cup in which India and England have met at the last-four stage. England thrashed India by 10 wickets in the 2022 semi-final in Australia, while India returned the favour with a commanding 68-run win in the 2024 edition.
“You’re not alone,” Gambhir backs grieving Rinku Singh before addressing the squad. Gambhir delivered an emotional message to Rinku Singh, who rejoined the team just a day after the passing of his father, Khanchand.
“Guys, before I start, Rinku, it takes a lot of character to come and join the team. Remember one thing: you are not alone. The whole team is standing next to you during this hour, so stay strong,” Gambhir said.
Rinku’s father passed away on Friday after a prolonged battle with liver cancer. He had been admitted to a private hospital in Greater Noida on February 21 and was on ventilator support before he died early Friday morning. Rinku had briefly left the squad to be with his family and perform the last rites before returning ahead of Sunday’s final Super Eight clash against the West Indies.
He was not included in the playing XI for that match, with Sanju Samson retaining his spot, and had also missed the earlier fixture against Zimbabwe.
Added to India’s World Cup squad at the last moment, Rinku has endured a difficult tournament, scoring 24 runs in five innings, including a duck against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. His record against England has also been modest, with 39 runs in three innings against the Harry Brook-led side.
