‘Batting hasn't been convincing' - Legendary all-rounder gives verdict on India ahead of semifinal against England

Former South African great Shaun Pollock has given his honest thoughts on the Indian team ahead of their semifinal clash against England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 5. 

The legendary all-rounder believes that the Indian team led-by Suryakumar Yadav is a struggling batting unit despite their strong outings in the ongoing multi-national tournament. The Men in Blue have been clinical, winning six out of their seven matches so far.

"I don't think India's batting has been at its best. I know they're saying some people are back in form, but it hasn't been enough convincing for me, to be brutally honest. But you would say the same about certain parts of the English batting lineup," he said via ICC.

He further noted that the co-hosts are more suited to the Wankhede Stadium than the English side, as spinners won’t be getting much of a help at the venue.

"For me, it's going to be down to the bowling. I think the Indian side is probably more suited to the Wankhede Stadium than England. And the reason I say that is England, I think, have been good here in Kolkata, they've been good in Colombo, when they've been able to rely on Rashid, Dawson and Will Jacks has also played his part. So, will they be able to play a part at the Wankhede? Often, you can really get hold of the spinners on that ground," he further added.

The expectations were huge from the Indian batters before the tournament, as they were backed to breach the 300-run mark considering their ultra-aggressive batting approach. But the story is strangely different. Let alone 300, the Indian batting unit have crossed the 200-run mark just twice in seven matches, signifying their changed approach in the mega event. 

In the end, Pollock backed the co-hosts to come victorious against the Harry Brook-led side despite their mixed form. 

"I would say India would go in as favorites, but I think England has played some good cricket in the Super 8s to get into the semifinals. But if you had to say pick one, I think at this stage, I would still be favoring India," he concluded.

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This will be the third time the old rivals will be facing each other in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. England came out on top during the 2022 edition, whereas the Indian team took revenge in 2024, eventually winning the trophy as well.