India Faces England in T20 World Cup Semi-Final: Sunil Gavaskar Highlights Will Jacks' Impact

In an exciting T20 World Cup semi-final, India will take on England at the Wankhede Stadium. Sunil Gavaskar emphasizes the importance of Will Jacks, who has been in remarkable form, contributing significantly to England's success. With four Player of the Match awards and impressive statistics, Jacks poses a challenge for India. Gavaskar also discusses strategies for Indian batters to tackle Jacks and highlights his charity initiative aimed at supporting former athletes. Read on for more insights into this thrilling match-up.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 3, 2026, 12:04 IST

India and England Set for T20 World Cup Showdown

The reigning champions, India, are gearing up to face England for the third consecutive time in a Men's T20 World Cup semi-final, scheduled for Thursday at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed that England's advantage lies in having a player like Will Jacks batting at number seven.

Sunil Gavaskar on Will Jacks' Performance

Gavaskar remarked, "He is on a roll, and sometimes a tournament aligns perfectly for a player. He has been contributing valuable runs for his team lower down the order. Having someone like him at number seven is a significant advantage for England," during a media session prior to the DP World Celebrity Golf Event aimed at raising awareness for the CHAMPS Foundation.

Will Jacks' Stellar World Cup Journey

Will Jacks is enjoying an exceptional World Cup campaign, having received four Player of the Match awards, matching the record set by former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson for the most POTM awards in a single tournament (four in 2012).

In seven innings, Jacks has accumulated 191 runs, boasting an impressive average of 63 and a strike rate of 176, with 14 fours and 12 sixes to his name.

Comparing Jacks to Shivam Dube

Gavaskar drew a parallel between Jacks and Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube, stating, "It's akin to having Shivam Dube in the lineup. In India's match against the West Indies, Dube hit two boundaries in one over, relieving pressure on his team. Jacks has also taken seven wickets in this tournament while bowling part-time off-spin."

Strategies for India Against Jacks

Despite Jacks' impressive form, Gavaskar downplayed the threat he poses to India's batting order, which is predominantly left-handed. He noted, "If the Wankhede pitch offers some turn, he could be challenging. The way Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, or Hardik Pandya handle him will be crucial."

Gavaskar emphasized the need for Indian right-hand batters to face Jacks more frequently, suggesting, "He may not bowl many deliveries to the left-handers in the team, such as Abhishek, Tilak, or Dube. The right-handers must take on him more often."

Gavaskar's Charity Golf Event

In collaboration with DP World, Gavaskar will host the DP World Celebrity Golf Event, a charitable initiative that will feature prominent figures from Indian and international sports in Mumbai on Friday.

The event aims to raise awareness for the CHAMPS Foundation (Caring, Helping, Assisting, Motivating, Promoting Sportsperson), which was established by Sunil Gavaskar to support former Indian international athletes facing financial difficulties and health issues.