3 things India need to do right to beat England in their 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal clash
Approximately two years ago, India were humbled in a T20 World Cup semifinal clash against England. Jos Buttler and Co. hammered them by 10 wickets in Adelaide to make the summit clash, in which they beat Pakistan to clinch the silverware.
At the time, fans of the Indian team were calling for a drastic overhaul. However, seven of the 11 players who featured in that demoralizing defeat will take to the field at the Providence Stadium in Guyana in an attempt to reach the final of the 2024 edition of the marquee ICC event.
So what has changed? India have made several tactical tweaks that have benefited them, and the presence of two world-class bowlers has made them a stronger outfit. That said, though, the Men in Blue need to get their tactics spot-on in the all-important clash.
Here are three things India need to do right to beat England in their 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal clash.
#3 India must get Shivam Dube and Axar Patel's entry points right
This has been an issue for Team India throughout the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Shivam Dube has been off-color and hasn't taken down spin as expected. To be fair, though, his entry point hasn't been ideal, and he has had to face a good deal of pace. The issue hampered India against Australia when Dube played a painstaking knock to contribute to a middle-overs slowdown.
Axar Patel, who is a capable batter on his day, has batted below Ravindra Jadeja most of the time. Even in the last game, Jadeja came in to bat at the death, pushing Axar to No. 8.
England have Adil Rashid, who has been one of the tournament's best bowlers so far. To counter Rashid, India's left-handed spin hitters will need to be used at the right times. Dube needs to come in post the powerplay and not in the second half of the innings, while Axar must be promoted if required.
#2 Jofra Archer needs to be respected, but others like Chris Jordan need to be capitalized upon
Jofra Archer might not be at his best yet, but he's still a world-class bowler. India need to respect that and play him out if it's a 20-overs-a-side game since the other England bowlers are prone to unraveling.
Reece Topley might not be greatly effective outside the powerplay, while Chris Jordan is inconsistent despite flashes of brilliance. Sam Curran, meanwhile, is hittable on most days. India will also back themselves to take on Mark Wood, who has been off-color if he plays.
The Men in Blue also have the batting depth to adopt this approach. If Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone come on, the Indian batters will need to put them to the sword. A timid batting approach could cost them yet another T20 World Cup semifinal against England.
#1 India's left-arm spinners will be key
If England don't play Ben Duckett, and it's unlikely that they will, they will have a top four of Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook. Liam Livingstone will also be part of the top six.
This will give India an excellent opportunity to unleash their left-arm spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. While Axar could bowl in the powerplay, Jadeja will be expected to exert control over the middle overs despite his indifferent form lately.
India can't be hesitant to attack England's top order with their spinners. It could all go awry if Salt and Buttler get stuck in against the quicker bowlers.