Why India Will Be Tempted To Play Australia In The ICC Champions Trophy Semifinal? Sunil Gavaskar Explains (Source: PTI)
Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels India will prefer facing Australia in the semifinal of the ICC Champions trophy. India are set to take on New Zealand in their last league game and if they win, they'll top Group A and face runner's up of Group B - Australia in the semifinal.
Gavaskar explained that India have played Australia a lot and they know the team better than South Africa which is why the Men in Blue might prefer facing Australia. “Both teams are formidable teams, make no mistake. There’s no such team that India will say, because now they know, they’ve come to the knockout stages. Here it’s now make or break, so I don’t think they would prefer to have any team,” Gavaskar told India today.
“Maybe Australia because they’ve played Australia, they know Australia a little bit better than South Africa whom they last played in the T20 World Cup 2024 final,” further explained Gavaskar.
Gavaskar further added that Australia are without their main bowers so India would be tempted to face Australia in the semifinal.
“So maybe they might prefer Australia because Australia are without their main bowlers. There’s no Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood so maybe they would want to play them,” concluded Gavaskar regarding why Australia might be a preferred opponent.
What India Need To Do To Face Australia?
Australia finished second in Group B so India need to top Group A to face Australia. India and New Zealand are undefeated in the tournament so the winner of the match will occupy the top position in the points table and thus face Australia. India have played all their matches in Dubai and are well used to the conditions. They have a slight edge going into the contest against New Zealand.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.
