Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has picked Suryakumar Yadav vs Adil Rashid as the one matchup he is looking forward to in the semifinal clash of the T20 World Cup on Thursday. Ashwin highlighted that Rashid is bowling slow through the air and SKY will play a key role in the middle order as he should look to play the sweep shot against the leg-spinner.
Yadav has scored 231 runs in seven matches of the T20 World Cup 2026 at an average of 38.50 and a strike rate of 135.88. On the other hand, Adil Rashid has scalped 11 wickets in seven matches at an average of 19 in the ongoing T20 World Cup.
“Surya will be a very crucial point against this England bowling. Adil Rashid is bowling very slowly. You will have to sweep him and the batter who can do it is Surya. This is one match-up I am looking forward to,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.
Ashwin said Suryakumar Yadav should not be worried despite his topsy-turvy form in the recent past.
“If I were in Surya’s shoes, I would not be worried at all. I am the captain of the team. There is nothing to be worried. It’s okay that the form is a little bit here and there. I know in two-three games he has not scored but the best way to do it is to stay ahead of the game. He needs to think tactically. I am sure he would have done his homework. I think he should go with a blank and clear mind. I don’t see concerns with his batting at all,” he explained.
The former Tamil Nadu spinner backed India to beat England in the semifinal clash
“Why are everyone giving England more chance? For England, playing at the Wankhede is their best chance against India. If I am in that dressing room, I will think we will not get a better chance than this. But if you look at it man to man, India have more. Yes, this is England’s best chance, but we do not have to worry. We have most bases covered, we need to remember that as well,” he said.
Ashwin said England will have a 40% chance of winning if they win the crucial toss at the Wankhede.
“It will be 60-40 in India’s favor. But that 40% can go more if England win the toss and do what they want to do. It can also increase to 45-55 because of dew. England have a chance. But India are firm favorites. They have to have a really bad day to lose this game. I still think India hold the aces,” he concluded.
India will take on England in the second semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday.
