“I do not think India is unbeatable” - Michael Atherton opens up ahead of INDvENG semi-final clash

Former England cricketer and commentator Michael Atherton has stated that India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is not unbeatable as they take on England in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5.

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Speaking exclusively on the Sky Cricket Podcast, Atherton asserted that England will have to be at their best to defeat the defending champions India, adding that it would be an India vs South Africa final, a rematch of the previous edition’s grand finale. Notably, this would be the third consecutive time India and England would be playing in the semi-final of the T20 event.

"Everybody said before this tournament that if England are going to win it then a big part of it will be the Salt-Buttler partnership, but neither has really got going. They will take confidence from winning without that main bit of their team functioning, and they are getting better,” Atherton said.

Furthermore, the former cricketer revealed the concerns India is facing before their major game against England, stating they are a bit poor on the field with catching and lacking a spare option in the bowling department. He went on to add that some of the Indian batters are yet to find their best in the showpiece event.

"India are an exceptional side, obviously, and I thought the run chase against West Indies under pressure [to qualify for the semi-finals] was exceptional. But I do not think they are unbeatable. Issues like fielding, bowling if you get after one or two of their main five (bowlers) - they are lacking a spare option in that department,” he added.

"Some of their batters have not found their best either, so they are not impregnable. I think England have to be at their best to beat them - and my instinct would be an India vs South Africa in the final, a replay of 2024," he concluded.

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