Chawla stressed that while the expectations surrounding India may add pressure, the key for players is to embrace the occasion and focus on expressing themselves on the field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chawla noted that nerves are inevitable in a global final, but the home crowd's support can transform that tension into motivation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnd 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,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also emphasised that success in a final often results from a shared belief throughout the whole squad and support system. \u201cIt'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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on India\u2019s road to the final, Chawla singled out wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson for his crucial contributions in recent matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is the moment you live for as a cricketer,\u201d Chawla said while recalling India\u2019s must-win clash against the West Indies cricket team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe 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. That's the beauty of his batting.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Samson carried that form into the semifinal against the England national cricket team as well, continuing his aggressive approach at the crease.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnd 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,\u201d Chawla said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about batting dynamics at the Wankhede Stadium, Chawla explained that totals often need to be adjusted upward because of the venue\u2019s chasing-friendly conditions. He said, \u201cWhatever you're thinking of scoring, you have to add 20 runs to that because it\u2019s a chasing ground, and we saw what happened there. 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.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chawla also assessed the recent struggles of mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, suggesting that inconsistency in his lengths has reduced his effectiveness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Chawla said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHis 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.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Chawla said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As India head into the final with expectations running high, Chawla believes staying composed and embracing the occasion will be key if the hosts are to overcome New Zealand and lift the trophy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n