It seems to be an interesting transition phase in Indian cricket: Graeme Smith

Graeme Smith, who is currently the League Commissioner for the SA20, has stated that he is hoping that South Africa defeats India in the final if the two sides meet again in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. However, he added that he would be very surprised if India is not among the frontrunners for the silverware.

“Listen, with India’s talent, you can never write them off. It’s a home World Cup. And it does seem an interesting transition phase in Indian cricket, you know, between Gautam (Gambhir) and senior players and, you know, who’s next and how that transition happens. And it seems to be in an interesting place. So, it’s going to be good to watch how things go. But certainly from a talent perspective, India, if they’re not in the last four at least, I’ll be very surprised,” Smith said as quoted by Times of India.

For the unversed, India defeated South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados to win their second ICC T20 WC title. Captain Rohit Sharma, former skipper Virat Kohli, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja had announced their T20I retirements after the mega event.

Current head coach Gautam Gambhir took over from Rahul Dravid after the campaign and it has been a rollercoaster ride for India across formats. While India has continued their dominance in T20 and ODI cricket, they collapsed to unexpected whitewashes at home to New Zealand and South Africa.

“Obviously, I’d like us to beat India in the final, you know (laughs)… I think if Shukri and the team can get their combinations right, I think there’s a real opportunity that the team can do very well. And, you know, I think there’s enough quality of ability to play spin there as well in that middle order, particularly in India. So, let’s hope, you know, that there will be a good World Cup around the corner,” said Smith.

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