T20 World Cup 2024

‘He has that X-factor’- Mohammad Kaif’s high praise for struggling team India player ahead of semi-final clash with England

India and England will clash with each other in the second semi-final of the 20-20 World Cup on November 10^th. Both teams would be looking to book a berth in the final and go against Pakistan for the coveted trophy.

While India’s bowling and middle order have come good in the tournament so far, it is India’s opening that has looked shaky on most occasions. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have failed to get going in the tournament so far and have oftentimes put pressure on India’s middle order by getting out early. Former India player Mohammad Kaif however has backed Rohit Sharma to come good with the bat in the semi-final.

“His (Rohit Sharma’s) bat has not been talking much but I think that he is a big-match player. He likes playing against England and I will not be surprised at all if he scores big in that semi-final. He has that X-Factor, whenever there is pressure, he plays a match-winning knock, “said Kaif who played 125 ODI matches for India.

The 41-year-old has called Rohit Sharma an incredible captain and believes that he has brought significant impact into the team.

“I consider Rohit Sharma as a very good player, but the time has come where the next two matches are the most important ones. The next match is the biggest one for Rohit Sharma as captain, he has had a great record since taking over as T20 captain. I think he has brought an impact with his captaincy. The value he has brought in with his captaincy is immense,” Mohammad Kaif added.

India would be under massive pressure as most of the fans are expecting an India vs Pakistan final. England meanwhile who have qualified from the group of death seem up for the challenge. England captain Jos Buttler has vowed to disappoint India- Pakistan fans all at once by defeating India in the semi-final and ruining hopes of the India vs Pakistan World Cup final.