‘India in an interesting transition with Gambhir and the senior players’: Graeme Smith

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup in 2024. (PTI Photo)

India may be going through a transition but it will still be a surprise if they do not reach the last four of the T20 World Cup at the very least, former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has said. Smith, who is currently the League Commissioner for the SA20, said that while he hopes South Africa beat India in the final if the two sides meet again, he would be very surprised if India are not among the frontrunners for the title in this year’s tournament, particularly considering the depth of talent they have.

“Listen, with India’s talent, you can never write them off,” Smith is quoted as saying by Times of India. “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.”

India had beat South Africa in a thriller of a final in 2024 to win their first ICC title in over a decade. Three of their stalwarts retired from the format after that final in captain Rohit Sharma, former skipper Virat Kohli and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

Current head coach Gautam Gambhir took over from Rahul Dravid after the tournament and it has been a strange journey for him thus far. While India have continued their dominance in T20 cricket, they collapsed to shock 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.