World T20 semi-final: West Indies are a 'dangerous side', says Ravi Shastri

Mumbai, March 30: Team India's director Ravi Shastri today (March 30) declared that the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led outfit was ready to take on the "dangerous" West Indies side in the semi-final of the ICC World Twenty20 tomorrow (March 31).

World T20 Special Site; Photos; 10 facts about Ind-WI semis

On Thursday, India and West Indies will battle it out at the Wankhede Stadium for a place in the final. (Match preview)

Though the hosts are the favourites to emerge triumphant in this knockout clash, Shastri is not taking the opposition lightly.

"I have said that from the beginning. Probably, (West Indies are) one of the most dangerous sides in this format," Shastri said at a media conference on Wednesday (March 30).

"They have got explosive players, match-winners. We know what we are up against. We are up and ready as well. This is not a knockout for us. Knockout was last game (versus Australia). That was a quarter-final and this is a semi-final," he added.

Yesterday (March 29), West Indies' explosive opener Chris Gayle had said India are favourites in the semi-final.

"India have come back with three wins after being one down. There have the momentum, there is no doubt about that and a lot of confidence coming into the semi-final game as well. It is very difficult to pinpoint one particular player in the Indian team. It is a very good all-round team, good fielding team as well," Gayle said.

"That's why India are the favourites. It is always going to be difficult to beat them here. But like I said, West Indies are ready for an upset," he added.

OneIndia News