India coach John Wright effectively dismissed Kenya's World Cup semi-final challenge on Tuesday by suggesting his players were destined to lift the trophy.

Wright told a new conference: "I feel their time is right."

India must beat Kenya in Thursday's day-nighter to reach the final at The Wanderers in Johannesburg but Wright, normally so diplomatic, appeared to reject any possibility of defeat.

Asked if India's leading batsman Sachin Tendulkar is on course to become the player of the tournament, he said: "He still has got two more games to play, two very important innings.

"Sachin Tendulkar has been a great leader for us in this tournament, along with some of our other senior players as well."

Tendulkar has scored a record 586 runs at almost a run a ball in the World Cup, at an average of 65.11.

Victory against Kenya, who they beat earlier in the tournament, will give India an eighth win in succession, matching their national record.

Wright said consistency in selection had been a key to the team's recent success.

"We have been a rather settled side and the selectors deserve credit for that. We have been coming together since March last year."

Kenya, who are seeking Test status, have beaten Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at the World Cup. They lost to India by seven wickets in the Super Sixes in Cape Town and have only won two of the teams' 11 meetings.