New Delhi

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel believes the support of the home crowd will play a crucial role when India national cricket team face South Africa national cricket team in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

India are aiming to defend their title and become the first team to win a T20 World Cup in front of their home crowd.

Speaking on JioStar, former spinner Piyush Chawla said players need to manage emotions and pressure in a major ICC tournament final.

“You just have to go out there, control your emotions and express yourself. When there are so many people around you and everyone expects you to win, that tag brings pressure. But once you step onto the field and the crowd cheers for you, it becomes a big motivation,” he said.

Chawla added that when the entire squad and support staff unite with the same mindset, the team can perform as a powerful collective force.

He also praised Sanju Samson for his key contributions in India’s recent victories. Samson has been in outstanding form, scoring an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies national cricket team and 89 runs in the semi-final against England national cricket team.

“This is the moment every cricketer lives for,” Chawla said, highlighting Samson’s ability to perform under pressure during the run chase against West Indies.

Chawla also discussed the form of mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who is currently the joint leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 wickets but struggled in the semi-final against England, conceding 64 runs for one wicket.

He said Chakaravarthy’s strength lies in bowling a consistent hard length, which makes it difficult for batters to pick him due to his pace and variations.

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With the pitch in Ahmedabad expected to assist spin bowlers, Chawla believes Chakaravarthy could still play a decisive role for India in the final.