India Target Elusive World Cup Title as Rohit and Co Aim to End New Zealand Hoodoo

India will be hoping to end their 12-year wait for a third World Cup title when they take on New Zealand in the semi-finals at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli’s side have been in dominant form, completing a perfect 9-0 group stage record – the first team to do so in a World Cup featuring a round-robin format. Kohli leads the tournament batting charts with 594 runs, while Rohit Sharma is not far behind on 503.

The experienced duo have hit three centuries between them, while KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are also finding form ahead of the knockout stages. India’s formidable pace attack of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj has also impressed, with Shami’s late call-up proving inspired as he has taken 16 wickets at an average under 10.

Yet ending their long wait for a World Cup title will not be straightforward, with New Zealand having defeated India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final and inaugural World Test Championship final. Five players from the 2019 game will feature again for India, desperate to gain revenge over the Black Caps.

Kane Williamson found form at the perfect time with a 95 against Pakistan, while the pace trio of Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson can threaten any batting line-up. Left-armer Mitchell Santner has also impressed, taking 16 wickets at an average under 25.

Rising star Rachin Ravindra has been a breakout performer, scoring an unprecedented three centuries on World Cup debut. The 23-year-old will relish playing India in front of a packed Wankhede crowd.

With both sides boasting talent and experience throughout their line-ups, the stage is set for a thrilling semi-final clash. After years of waiting, can India finally end their World Cup drought on home soil?