DELHI, India (CMC):

Trinidad and Tobago all-rounder Lendl Simmons says the presence of cricket legend Brian Lara has raised team morale in the Red Force campaign for the Champions League T20 title in India.

Red Force crushed Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the tournament favourites, by eight wickets on Wednesday to secure their semi-final spot and finish top of the league.

Simmons, named Man of the Match for an outstanding all-round performance in the game with bat, ball and in the field, says the team has been benefitting from Lara's advice.

"When he's around, the team has a different vibe and everybody buzzes with positivity. When he talks, we all listen," said Simmons, who top scored with a 41-ball 63 against CSK.

"So far, whatever he's told us have benefitted our team. Although he hasn't played too much T20 cricket, he helps us a lot in terms of understanding the process of going about your batting."