Sunil Gavaskar indicates that India may prefer facing Australia over South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, given Australia’s missing key bowlers and India’s previous experience. India has qualified after beating Bangladesh and Pakistan, while their upcoming game against New Zealand will finalize their opponents. However, Australian opener Travis Head’s recent form poses a threat.
Legendary cricket player Sunil Gavaskar has expressed that India might prefer to face Australia rather than South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final. India secured their spot in the semi-finals after winning their initial two matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan, while the final matchup will be confirmed following their upcoming game against New Zealand.
Gavaskar emphasized that, while both opponents are robust challenges, India might lean towards Australia due to their recent experience against them and the relative inexperience of Australia’s pace attack. He noted that Australia is currently missing key bowlers such as Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.
Australia commenced their tournament with a remarkable victory, chasing down a record total of 352 against England, largely due to a stunning performance by Jos Inglis, who scored 120 runs off 86 balls. Their subsequent matches against South Africa and Afghanistan were interrupted by rain, leading to their qualification for the semi-finals with four points.
However, India will have to remain cautious, particularly regarding Australian opener Travis Head, who showcased excellent form with a rapid 59 runs against Afghanistan. Head has proven to be a formidable opponent for India, having delivered standout performances in recent significant tournaments.
In summary, Sunil Gavaskar suggests that India may prefer meeting Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final, given Australia’s missing key players and India’s familiarity with them. This comes after India qualified for the semi-finals with wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan. Nonetheless, India’s potential encounter with Australia is complicated by the presence of in-form players like Travis Head.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
