The Super-12 stage of the ongoing 2022 T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin from October 22 (Saturday) and the power-packed teams that are in for a legitimate chance to clinch the glittering silverware are now locked in the drawing room, finalising strategies to emerge triumphant. Team India will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23 (Sunday) at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Former India captain and legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar is rooting for the Men in Blue to bag their second T20 World Cup trophy. The 'Master Blaster' also weighed in on the chances of other teams that are likely to compete hard for the title and picked his four semi-finalist for the multi-national tournament.
"I would obviously want India to be the champions but my top four would be India, Pakistan, Australia and England. New Zealand are the dark horse as are South Africa. These are the conditions South Africans get to encounter at home in September-October. They are used to such conditions," Tendulkar told The Telegraph.
"Yes, we have a very good chance. This team is well-balanced and we have the combination to go out and deliver. In fact, I am quite hopeful of our chances and going the full distance," he added.
Tendulkar also reflected on Jasprit Bumrah missing out of the T20 World Cup due to injury and observed that Mohammed Shami is more than capable of filling in Bumrah's shoes.
Not having one of the best fast bowlers will obviously impact the team. Bumrah has always been someone who has been one of the prime players in the XI, a strike bowler, and a standout performer. But the positive thing is that the team has accepted this and moved on... because you can't get stuck by setbacks. His replacement, Mohammed Shami, is also experienced and capable, someone who has performed well in the past. He can be a worthy replacement and is already proving to be so," Tendulkar opined.
