T20 World Cup 2026: ‘It is going to be a humdinger’ - Sunil Gavaskar on India vs England semifinal clash

Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar has predicted a nail-biting contest when India take on England in the semifinal of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, saying the clash has all the ingredients of a classic encounter. The co-hosts will take on England on March 5 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. 

Drawing parallels with India’s thrilling knockout win over West Indies at Eden Gardens, former India captain said both teams are evenly matched and boast strength across departments.  

"I think it's going to be another cracker of a game, just like this sort of quarter-final against the West Indies was, because both sides are very well matched. They have got batting. They have got bowling. They have got a middle order. They have got, you know, the finisher. Both teams have finishers. Both teams have variety in their bowling,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. 

"Both teams also have got a fair bit of experience of T20 cricket. England have got a few players who have played in the IPL, so who are familiar with Indian conditions, who are familiar with the pressure of playing. It is going to be a humdinger of a game. And like it went in Kolkata yesterday, I think this one also will likely go to the 40th over," the former India captain added.

While India famously lifted the 2011 ODI World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium, they have endured heartbreak in knockout matches at the venue in the past, including two semifinal losses, in 1987 and in 2016. Gavaskar, however, believes history will not matter much for the current Indian team. 

"Well, the other day, I mean, somebody said yesterday as well that, you know, West Indies had never lost a knockout game at the Eden Gardens. But that was broken yesterday. So it's a new era, a new team. So, yes, I think India have not had the best of semifinal experiences at the Wankhede. But I do believe that they have the capability to go all the way," he concluded.

He was speaking during a media interaction ahead of the DP World Celebrity Golf Event, which aims to raise awareness for the CHAMPS Foundation, with several cricketers and commentators set to participate in the March 6 event in Mumbai.