Piyush Chawla: India must keep emotions in check ahead of T20 World Cup final

Former India spinner Piyush Chawla believes the ability to manage emotions will be the defining factor for India in what promises to be a pressure-filled final. With the spotlight firmly on the hosts, Chawla acknowledged that the weight of expectations could place added strain on the players.

However, he stressed that embracing the occasion is crucial in such a significant match. According to Chawla, the players must focus on expressing themselves freely on the field rather than being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment.

He also noted that nerves are inevitable in a global final, particularly when playing in front of a passionate home crowd. Yet, Chawla believes that strong support from the stands can help transform that tension into motivation.

"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. You are the favourites, and that tag also brings a little bit of pressure," Chawla told JioStar.

"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. And when every player thinks that way, that we have to do something special, the whole team comes together.

"It's not only about the eleven who are playing, even the players who are outside and not part of the playing XI, even the support staff, when everyone comes together, it becomes like a brute force."