Sanjay Manjrekars perspective revolves around the significant impact of Indias crushing defeat by England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals on the T20I team. He highlighted the stark transformation in their strategy subsequent to the onesided knockout fixture.
The former cricketer claimed that India is yet to recognize that the loss was a wake-up call for them, since Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have never discussed their knocks losing the team the semifinals. Virat Kohli hit 50 off 40 balls, while Sharma finished with 27 from 28 deliveries.
India scored 168/6 from 20 overs. England’s openers mocked the goal by chasing it down in just 16 overs. Speaking with ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar stated:
“India is completely changed as a T20 side. That was a wake-up call for India. They may not admit it. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have never confessed that they helped India lose the semifinals, but this new India is a completely different India.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Rohit Sharma along with his team members have an opportunity to seek revenge for the prior defeat when they go headtohead with England in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals on Thursday June 27. Manjrekar shared his opinion that England appears to have a weaker lineup than in 2022 stating:
“What’s also good for India is that England is looking a little weaker than they were a couple of years back. So that just helps India’s cause.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar predicted that the Indian hitters would go all guns blazing in the semifinals, as they have throughout the tournament. He did, however, say that it needs to be seen whether Virat Kohli will continue to play with the same intent after a spate of disappointing performances.
He emphasized that Kohli has always accepted responsibility in key matches. The cricketer-turned-commentator shared his thoughts on the senior batter’s performance, saying:
“Virat Kohli is a little bit of a worry because he hasn’t got the runs, but he stayed committed to this approach of taking risks and doesn’t worry about getting out. Whether he’ll continue to do that in the semifinal, because this is a guy who has taken up the responsibility on the big stage, he feels that he’s the guy who’s got to do it. Plus he’s short of runs. The thing to look for is if he’s hit a four or a six and if he picks a single, then you know that he’s batting a little differently.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Virat Kohli has scored 66 runs in six appearances in the ongoing showpiece event. India would like the top batter to record a huge score in the crucial semifinals.
“Perfect conditions for India” – Sanjay Manjrekar on Guyana pitch
Sanjay Manjrekar stated that India will have an advantage on the Guyana field due to their superior spin-bowling squad. He claimed that the team’s three left-arm spinners could go crazy if there is some turn on offer.
The 58-year-old stated in the same chat with ESPNcricinfo:
“Perfect conditions for India because India have got some quality spin, they have got two left-arm spinners, and if the pitch is going to be really kind of a turner, then Jadeja as well comes to the fore.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Manjrekar also stated that England’s batting order will struggle on a turning surface in the absence of Ben Stokes. He elaborated:
“The best thing is the England batters won’t like a turning pitch against India. They are missing Ben Stokes. Just put Ben Stokes in this English team and you’re looking at a completely different challenge.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
The second semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup will take place at Providence Stadium in Guyana. The victor of the match will face South Africa in the final on Saturday, June 29.