Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 3: As the Men’s T20 World Cup semifinals approach, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar believes current form may favour South Africa and England, but familiarity with conditions and squad depth keep India strongly in contention.

South Africa will take on New Zealand national cricket team in Kolkata on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, while defending champions India national cricket team face an in-form England national cricket team at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, March 5.

South Africa remain the only unbeaten side in the tournament, while England have maintained a flawless record in the Super Eights. India and New Zealand have lost one match each.

“If you look at the form going into the semis, South Africa and England have won all their matches in the Super Eight. India have lost one and New Zealand have lost one. So you would say those two teams would be favourites to get to the finals,” Gavaskar said during a media interaction ahead of the DP World Celebrity Golf Event scheduled on March 6 to raise awareness for the CHAMPS Foundation.

Despite acknowledging England’s strong run, Gavaskar expects a closely fought contest between India and England. “It’s going to be another cracker, like the (virtual) quarterfinal against the West Indies. Both sides are very well matched. They have got batting, bowling, middle order, finishers. Both have variety and plenty of T20 experience,” he said.

He noted that several England players have featured in the Indian Premier League, giving them familiarity with Indian conditions and the pressure of large crowds.

Dismissing concerns over India’s inconsistent semifinal record at the Wankhede, Gavaskar said history would not weigh on the current squad. “It’s a new era, a new team. I believe India has the capability to go all the way to the final in Ahmedabad,” he asserted.

On England’s in-form all-rounder Will Jacks, who has claimed four player-of-the-match awards, Gavaskar cautioned that he could prove decisive. “If there is a little bit of a turn, he could be a handful. How Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav or Hardik Pandya handle him will be key. He is on a roll. To have someone like him at No. 7 is a real plus — just like Shivam Dube was for India the other day,” he observed.

In Gavaskar’s assessment, the semifinal could go down to the final over, with the result hinging on which side holds its nerve under pressure.