Gavaskar: India still in with a shot at the final in Ahmedabad

Sunil Gavaskar has laid out his expectations ahead of the T20 World Cup semi-finals, with India set to take on England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He notes that while South Africa and England have been the form teams in the Super Eight, India’s patchy semifinal record at the venue isn’t a reason to write them off. “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 said during a media interaction linked to a charity golf event supporting the CHAMPS Foundation.

Gavaskar argues that the two sides are evenly balanced across batting, bowling and finishing, and that England’s IPL-hardened core gives them familiarity with Indian conditions and the big-match pressure. He pointed to England’s potential X-factor, Will Jacks, who could be a handful if the pitch offers some grip. Still, he expects a tightly contested semi-final, reminiscent of the virtual quarterfinal India played against the West Indies, underscoring that both teams have depth, variety and plenty of T20 experience.

As for India’s chances, Gavaskar dismissed past baggage tied to Mumbai semifinals and reiterated his belief in the current group’s potential to reach the final in Ahmedabad. He highlighted India’s balance—strong top and middle order, a finished product in the bowling unit, and the experience of finishing games under pressure—as key strengths against an England outfit that knows how to perform in Indian conditions and under loud crowds.

From England’s perspective, the veteran analyst noted the value of players who have spent time in the IPL and understand the subcontinent’s tempo and turning tracks. The contest, he signaled, could hinge on how India’s pace quartet and the middle-order adapt to the England attack and whether the spinners can create a decisive impact on the Wankhede track. In Gavaskar’s view, the semis at Mumbai promise a high-octane clash that could tilt in India’s favor on the night they need it most, keeping alive the dream of a final in Ahmedabad.

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