Sunil Gavaskar alerts India to England’s in-form hero with 4 POTMs; says Sanju Samson’s strategy will shape semifinal

India legend Sunil Gavaskar has cautioned the defending champions about England’s newest match-winner ahead of Thursday’s T20 World Cup semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Speaking to the media on March 6 during the DP World Celebrity Golf Event in Mumbai — held to raise awareness for the CHAMPS Foundation — Gavaskar singled out Will Jacks as a major threat. Jacks has been one of England’s standout performers in the tournament, claiming four Player of the Match awards, scoring 191 runs in seven games and picking up seven wickets to keep England unbeaten in the Super 8 stage.

Gavaskar believes India’s top order, particularly opener Sanju Samson — who smashed an unbeaten 97 to steer India past West Indies — will play a crucial role in countering the all-rounder. He also highlighted the importance of how players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya handle Jacks if conditions assist spin.

“If there is a little bit of turn, he could be a handful. How Samson, Suryakumar Yadav or Hardik Pandya handle him will be key. He is on a roll. To have someone like him at No. 7 is a real plus — just like Shivam Dube was for India the other day,” Gavaskar said.

The former India captain refrained from naming a favourite for the semifinal but predicted a closely fought contest at the Wankhede.

“It’s going to be another cracker, like the (virtual) quarterfinal against West Indies. Both sides are very well matched. They have batting, bowling, middle order, finishers. Both have variety and plenty of T20 experience,” he added.

The Wankhede holds special memories for Indian cricket fans, having hosted India’s triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup final. However, India’s semifinal record at the venue is mixed, with defeats against England in 1987 and West Indies in 2016.

Gavaskar, though, dismissed any historical baggage. “It’s a new era, a new team. I believe India has the capability to go all the way to the final in Ahmedabad,” he said confidently.