As the crucial T20 World Cup semi-final match between India and England approaches, Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar believes the time has come to rewrite history. Sharing his views ahead of India’s high-stakes clash, set to be held on Thursday in Mumbai, Gavaskar urged the current squad to let go of the baggage of past defeats and focus instead on their commanding present form. Notably, at this venue, India fell short in the World Cup semi-finals in 1987 and again in 2016.
India on Sunday at Eden Gardens secured their semifinal berth in dominant fashion, overwhelming West Indies with a clinical all-round performance. The standout moment came from Sanju Samson, whose breathtaking unbeaten 97 took India over the line.
"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," Gavaskar said during a media interaction, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Gavaskar believed it will be a cracking battle between both sides, who are well balanced and riding high on momentum.
"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 said.
"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," he said.