Sunil Gavaskar believes recent form gives South Africa national cricket team and England national cricket team the edge heading into the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals, but insists India’s strength and familiarity with home conditions keep them firmly in contention.
South Africa, the only unbeaten side in the tournament, will face New Zealand national cricket team in Kolkata on Wednesday. Defending champion India national cricket team meets an in-form England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. While South Africa and England have won all their Super Eight matches, India and New Zealand have each suffered one defeat.
“If you look at the form going into the semis, South Africa and England have won all their matches in the Super Eight. India has lost one, and New Zealand have lost one. So you would say those two teams would be favourites to get to the finals,” Gavaskar said at a media interaction ahead of the DP World Celebrity Golf Event, scheduled for March 6 to raise awareness for the CHAMPS Foundation.
The foundation supports retired international sportspersons in India who face financial hardship in later years.
Despite backing the form teams, Gavaskar expects a tight contest between India and England. “It’s going to be another cracker, like the (virtual) quarterfinal against the West Indies. Both sides are very well matched. They have got batting, bowling, middle order, and finishers. Both have variety and plenty of T20 experience.”
He also highlighted England’s familiarity with Indian conditions. “A few of their players have played in the IPL. They’re familiar with Indian conditions and the pressure that comes with big crowds.”
Addressing India’s mixed semifinal history at the Wankhede, Gavaskar brushed aside concerns. “It’s a new era, a new team. I believe India has the capability to go all the way to the final in Ahmedabad.”
England’s potential X-factor, Will Jacks, earned special mention after claiming four player-of-the-match awards with impactful all-round performances. “If there is a little bit of a turn, he could be a handful. How (Sanju) Samson, Suryakumar Yadav or Hardik Pandya handle him will be key. He is on a roll. To have someone like him at No. 7 is a real plus — just like Shivam Dube was for India the other day.”
In Gavaskar’s view, the semifinal may hinge on composure in the final moments. When the pressure peaks in the 40th over, he suggested, it will be the side that holds its nerve that books a place in the final.
