“I'm still backing them to make the final” - Michael Clarke backs India as the best T20 team despite 76-run defeat to SA

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has stated that the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, remains the best T20 side in the world despite their 76-run defeat to South Africa in their Super8 clash.

Speaking exclusively on the ‘Beyond23 Cricket Podcast’, Clarke clarified that India remains the benchmark in this particular format, adding that the defending champions still have a lot in them to advance to the grand finale. 

"For South Africa to beat the favorites in their own backyard, wow!, that's a huge game for them and a huge victory. Now pressure is on this Indian team, which is going to be great to see. To me, they're still the best team; they're the best T20 team in the world playing in conditions they know so well. So I'm still backing them to make the final, but things change now after losing that game to South Africa," Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

"You definitely expect them to beat Zimbabwe, and again, no disrespect to Zimbabwe, they deserve to be in the Super 8, but I expect India to beat them comfortably. The one that's going to be an absolute beauty is against West Indies. West Indies are playing their best cricket at the moment. They are strutting. They have got a brilliant team and they believe in themselves. I think that game could be the one that dictates what second team qualifies from that group,” he added.

"If India don't qualify... You'd be absolutely fuming if you're an Indian cricket fan, and you would be surprised. T20 cricket they're brilliant at; they're currently the best team in the world and they're playing in conditions they know so well. It would be huge if India didn't qualify. I would not—you'd be stupid to—write India off, not only to qualify but to be in that final," Clarke concluded.

India will next take on Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday, February 26. Later, they will clash against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, March 1.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!