Gambhir took over from Dravid as India head coach after 2024 T20 WC win.
Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has stated that even if India is going through a transformation, it will still be shocking if they do not at least make it to the final four in the T20 World Cup.
Smith, who currently serves as the SA20 League Commissioner, stated that although he hopes South Africa defeats India in the final if the two teams play each other again, he would be shocked if India is not among the front-runners for the championship this year, especially given their depth of talent.
“Listen, with India’s talent, you can never write them off. It’s a home World Cup. And it does seem an interesting transition phase in Indian cricket, you know, between Gautam (Gambhir) and senior players and, you know, who’s next and how that transition happens. And it seems to be in an interesting place. So, it’s going to be good to watch how things go. But certainly, from a talent perspective, India, if they’re not in the last four at least, I’ll be very surprised,” Smith is quoted as saying by the Times of India.
India has defeated South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024, but three of their big performers, captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, have retired from the format. Rahul Dravid also completed his tenure as India’s head coach with the T20 World Cup win.
Gautam Gambhir took over from Dravid, but his tenure has been a controversial one. While India has dominated in T20s and ODIs, their Test fortunes are in the doldrums. However, with India dominating South Africa in T20Is in the recent series, Graeme Smith has spoken about their performances.
“Obviously, I’d like us to beat India in the final, you know (laughs)… I think if Shukri and the team can get their combinations right, there’s a real opportunity that the team can do very well. And, you know, I think there’s enough quality of ability to play spin there as well in that middle order, particularly in India. So, let’s hope, you know, that there will be a good World Cup around the corner,” said Smith.
India will face New Zealand in three ODIs and five T20Is ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 that begins in February and will be played in India and Sri Lanka.
(PTI inputs)