"There is no doubt that a match between Pakistan and India is always a high pressure one and it is all about keeping your nerves in these circumstances," Imran told reporters in Islamabad.
The legendary allrounder, who guided Pakistan to its only World Cup title win in 1992, said the greenshirts had lost the 2011 semi-final in Mohali because of pressure.
"Our defeat in the last World Cup semis was also because we couldn't take the pressure," he said.
"In the end it is all about holding your nerves and nothing else," said Imran, who also saw India win against them in the 92' event.