NEW DELHI: Former England all-rounder
Paul Collingwood
believes India enter the
T20 World Cup
semi-final against England as the clear favourite.
While acknowledging England's ability to elevate their game in the knockout stages, the former England international has pointed out several factors that position India for victory, identifying
Jasprit Bumrah
's exceptional form as a major advantage for India.
T20 World Cup: Schedule | Points Table | Stats
"Honestly, I can't see India losing this time. England will need something extraordinary to beat them. India, with their well-rounded squad, stands out particularly for Jasprit Bumrah's current form. He's fit, accurate, fast, and highly skilled. No team seems to have an answer for him," Collingwood said on Star Sports Press Room, as quoted by PTI.
"In a 120-ball game, having someone like Bumrah with his pace for 24 balls makes a huge difference. India has looked confident even in tough situations and on difficult pitches in America. Their batters, like
Rohit Sharma
who played a magnificent innings against Australia, seem to be back in form," he added.
The pitch in
Guyana
, known for its assistance to bowlers and particularly spinners, is expected to play a significant role in the semifinal. While a flat pitch could advantage England's aggressive batting, a slower surface might tilt the scales in favour of India.
"The match-up will be magnificent, with both sides adopting an ultra-aggressive approach. The surface in Guyana will be crucial. On a flat pitch, England has the upper hand with their ability to overpower teams. However, a slow, turning pitch would favour India,"
Collingwood also reflected on the strategic evolution of the Indian team, moving away from a conservative approach that was evident in their 2021 campaign.
"But India's approach has changed. They understand that this strategy won't win World Cups. They need to take risks, be brave, and express themselves freely. This new mentality might be criticised if it fails, but to win World Cups, you need to be ahead of the curve and adapt to what other teams are doing globally," Collingwood remarked.
England's journey to the semifinals, marked by a critical turnaround from the brink of elimination, has hinted at their capability to elevate their performance in the knockout stages. Collingwood further underscored England's adaptability and aggressive play, especially in setting totals, which could make the upcoming match against India highly competitive.
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