India vs New Zealand: Former India Star Shares Big Warning Before T20 World Cup Final

Add as a preferred source on Google

Former India spinner Piyush Chawla believes the energy of a home crowd can become a powerful motivating force for players ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand.

Speaking on JioStar's Follow the Blues, Chawla discussed India's recent performances in the tournament and highlighted key players and tactical areas as the team prepares for the title clash in Ahmedabad.

Piyush Chawla praises Sanju Samson impact

Chawla singled out Sanju Samson for playing a decisive role in India's last two victories in the tournament.

"This is the moment you live for as a cricketer. The game against the West Indies was a virtual quarter-final, and the way Sanju Samson played that innings while chasing 195 in a pressure situation, he made it look so easy," Chawla said.

He also praised Samson's aggressive approach in the semi-final against England.

"That's the beauty of his batting. And again, against England, he came in to bat and made sure he was hitting every ball. We all know Wankhede brings a lot to the table for the batters, so you have to try and convert even the balls that are not there to hit into boundary balls," he added.

Chawla also pointed out how high-scoring matches at Wankhede can change the dynamics of a chase.

"Whatever you're thinking of scoring, you have to add 20 runs to that because it's a chasing ground. India scored 250-plus and at one point we thought 250 was a good enough score in a high-pressure game, but England just fell seven runs short."

Chawla explains Varun Chakaravarthy's recent struggles

Chawla also analysed Varun Chakaravarthy's performances, noting that the mystery spinner may be trying to do too much in recent matches.

"I feel sometimes when you get desperate or when you try to do too many things, you end up bowling too full, and that's exactly what's happening with Varun," Chawla explained.

He stressed that Chakaravarthy's strength lies in maintaining a consistent hard length.

"His strength is to bowl that hard length, not the one that fast bowlers bowl, but for a spinner, the good length where the bounce is around knee-high. Because with his pace, if the batter is not picking him up from the hand, it becomes really difficult as he's so quick off the surface."

However, missing that length can make him easier to attack.

"But when you are a little off radar, then you go for plenty. Either he's too full or too short, and with this kind of pace, it becomes easier for the batter when the bounce is so true on the surface."

Chawla on handling home pressure at India vs New Zealand

Chawla believes controlling emotions will be crucial for India when they step onto the field in front of a home crowd.

"You just have to go out there, control your emotions and express yourself. Because it's very important when there are so many people around and so many think that you're going to win the game," he said.

He also acknowledged that the expectations of being favourites can add pressure.

"You are the favourites, and that tag also brings a little bit of pressure. But you have to keep all those things aside."

According to Chawla, the atmosphere of a packed stadium can ultimately inspire players.

"And the butterflies, if someone says they're not there, is totally wrong. Once you enter the field and the whole crowd is behind you, cheering for you, gives you motivation. It's the same feeling that you have to do something special."

"When every player thinks that way, the whole team comes together. It's not only about the eleven who are playing, even the players outside the XI and the support staff. When everyone comes together, it becomes like a brute force."