India aims to avoid a third consecutive semifinal exit as they face England in the T20 World Cup knockout game in Guyana on Thursday. Over the last four editions, India has come close to clinching the title, finishing as runners-up in 2014 and semifinalists in 2016 and 2022.
They suffered a defeat to West Indies eight years ago and a heavy 10-wicket loss to England in Adelaide. However, with Rohit Sharma’s India showcasing renewed vigour and playing a dynamic brand of cricket, they enter the game with an edge over the defending champions.
After a lacklustre performance in 2021, leading to an early exit, and another disappointment in 2022, India has finally unlocked a winning formula. Competing in the 2024 T20 World Cup with an aggressive mindset has paid off. Indian batters are attacking from the start, and bowlers are maintaining relentless pressure. This shift marks India’s adaptation to the modern T20 cricket template.
What triggered this transformation? Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes the humiliating 10-wicket defeat two years ago sparked a change within the team, especially for captain Rohit Sharma. Hussain identifies this as Rohit’s redemption moment, beginning with his impressive play in last year’s 50-overs World Cup and continuing into the current T20 World Cup.
“You know… I think the change in mentality happened after that T20 World Cup semi-final in Adelaide. And that was noticeable for India in the 50-over World Cup. And also through this tournament. They couldn’t quite do it in New York because of the pitches. The pitches were poor; it wasn’t the kind of surface to go out and express yourself. But as their batters have got a bit of confidence – some of them, not all – they have gone back to that mentality and it has completely led by Rohit Sharma,” Hussain said while speaking to SKY Cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s resurgence is noteworthy. After the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal, Rohit took a break from T20 internationals, returning over a year later in a series against Afghanistan. Despite starting with a couple of ducks, he scored a century in the final T20I. In the ongoing World Cup, Rohit initially struggled but silenced critics with a blazing 92 off 41 balls against Australia in St Lucia, leading India to a 26-run victory. This innings was India’s second-highest individual score in T20 World Cups, following Suresh Raina’s 101 in 2010.
“If you’re going to walk the talk as captain – and he did before the Australia game. He said he is not worried about fifties and hundreds. I am worried about what comes after the scores, the balls faced, the strike rate. And that was one of the great white-ball innings I’ve seen played against Australia. Elegant. Absolute brutal elegance at its best. Taking down Starc, slog-sweeping Cummins, inside-out over extra cover. That was one of the best innings visually I have ever seen. Just outstanding,” said Hussain.
India’s transformation, led by Rohit Sharma’s aggressive approach, has reignited their T20 World Cup campaign. As they prepare to face England, the team carries the confidence and momentum needed to finally secure the title that has eluded them in recent years.
