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Sanjay Manjrekar, the former Indian cricketer, has shared his perspective on the upcoming T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa in Barbados this Saturday.
India secured their spot in the final with a dominant performance against England, while South Africa advanced after a commanding victory over Afghanistan. The contrast in the semifinals saw Afghanistan bowled out for 56, while India comprehensively defeated England in Guyana.
Both India and South Africa remain undefeated in the T20 World Cup, with the Proteas winning eight matches and India claiming seven victories. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar expressed his belief that the Indian batsmen might not face significant challenges from the South African bowlers, particularly their spinners.
South Africa’s bowling attack has been effective, with Anrich Nortje taking 13 wickets, Kagiso Rabada 12, Tabraiz Shamsi 10, and Keshav Maharaj 9. Similarly, India’s bowlers have been productive, with Arshdeep Singh claiming 15 wickets, Jasprit Bumrah 13, Kuldeep Yadav 10, and Hardik Pandya 7.
Asked about the quality of the South African bowling attack India will encounter, Sanjay Manjrekar commented:” I think Australia was very good, England maybe not so much. South Africa is a very good bowling attack, led by a captain who on the day will go to a bowler who will be more likely to make an impact. So yeah India will be tested but I don’t see Indian batting having an issue because they have found different players to come to terms with the challenge”.
Manjrekar added that India has discovered various match-winners across different games. Despite Virat Kohli’s form slump in this tournament, players like Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav have consistently delivered crucial performances. Rohit Sharma has contributed 248 runs, Suryakumar Yadav 196, and Rishabh Pant 171. Hardik Pandya has also made significant contributions with both bat and ball.
“If the usual suspects don’t get the runs, somebody else comes in and handles the situation, that’s how India will play.”
Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized that the South African batting could face significant challenges against the Indian spinners. Drawing from the spinners’ effectiveness against England, including Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, Manjrekar suggested that South Africa’s batters might encounter similar difficulties.
“The South African batting will be the major issue that will decide the fate of the match and the difference between the two sides,” Manjrekar concluded.
Accusations of ball-tampering and other infractions surfaced against the Indian team following their convincing victories over Australia and England. Nonetheless, Rohit Sharma dismissed these concerns, urging people to approach the situation with an “open mind.”
