"I can't see India losing this time" - Paul Collingwood picks Rohit Sharma's side to beat England in 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final
Former batting all-rounder Paul Collingwood felt Team India held all the aces and would be hard to beat going into their 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Guyana on June 27. The two teams met at the same stage of the previous T20 World Cup in 2022 with England crushing India by ten wickets.
They also went on to win their second T20 World Cup title by defeating Pakistan in the final.
However, Rohit Sharma's Men have been on a roll in the ongoing tournament, winning all six games. Meanwhile, England have stuttered occasionally, dropping games to Australia and South Africa on their way to the semi-final.
Speaking on a Star Sports Press Room interview, Collingwood pointed to how ace Jasprit Bumrah's presence makes India virtually unbeatable.
"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," said Collingwood.
He added:
"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."
Bumrah has been in incredible bowling form thus far in the competition with 11 wickets at an average of 8.54 and an economy of 4.08 in six games.
"The match-up will be magnificent, with both sides adopting an ultra-aggressive approach" - Paul Collingwood
Paul Collingwood believes the India-England semi-final would be a thrill-a-minute ride with both teams adopting an ultra-aggressive approach.
The two teams have split their four previous T20 World Cup meetings, with England winning in 2009 and 2022 and India emerging victorious in 2007 and 2012.
"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 favor India," said Collingwood.
Collingwood praised India for changing their earlier conservative approach to a more attacking one.
"In 2022, when India batted first, we knew we could restrict them. Back then, India played conservatively, especially in the first 10 overs, and then tried to catch up later. 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 criticized 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," concluded Collingwood.
In the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England, India scored only 62 runs in the first ten overs despite being two down.
They eventually finished on 168 but England easily chased the score down in 16 overs with all ten wickets in hand.