"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have never confessed that they helped India lose the semifinals" - Sanjay Manjrekar recalls 2022 T20 World Cup
Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the 10-wicket loss to England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals was a big turning point for India's T20I team. He pointed out how there has been a drastic change in the approach following the one-sided knockout fixture.
The former cricketer suggested that India haven't admitted that the loss was a wake-up call for them, as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have never spoken about their knocks costing the team the semifinals. Kohli scored 50 off 40 balls, while Sharma finished with 27 in 28 deliveries.
India registered 168/6 in 20 overs. England's openers made a mockery of the target, chasing it down in just 16 overs without any loss of wickets. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar said:
"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."
Rohit Sharma and Co. have a chance of avenging the aforementioned defeat as they face England in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals on Thursday, June 27. Manjrekar opined that England have a weaker lineup compared to their roster in 2022, adding:
"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."
Manjrekar mentioned that he expects the Indian batters to go all guns blazing in the semifinals, as they have done throughout the tournament. He, however, reckoned that it remains to be seen if Virat Kohli also continues to play with the same intent following a string of underwhelming performances.
He highlighted that Kohli has always taken responsibility in big matches. Giving his take on the senior batter's form, the cricketer-turned-commentator added:
"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."
Kohli has scored just 66 runs across six outings in the ongoing showpiece event. India would want the star batter to get a big score under his belt in the all-important semifinals.
"Perfect conditions for India" - Sanjay Manjrekar on Guyana pitch
Sanjay Manjrekar claimed that India have will have an advantage on the Guyana pitch because of their formidable spin-bowling lineup. He stated that the team's three left-arm spinners could run riot if there's some turn on offer.
The 58-year-old remarked in the same conversation 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."
Manjrekar added that England's batting lineup will struggle on a turning track 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."
The second semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup will be played at Providence Stadium in Guyana. The winner of the clash will take on South Africa in the final on Saturday, June 29 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.