Michael Atherton said India are strong but “not unbeatable” ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England, while backing a possible India vs South Africa final.
Former England captain Michael Atherton believes tournament favourites India can be beaten despite their dominant run in the 2026 T20 World Cup. India are set to face England in the semi-final on Thursday, marking the third consecutive edition in which the two sides have met at this stage, following clashes in 2022 and 2024.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Atherton shared a balanced assessment of India’s strengths and potential weaknesses.
“Not Impregnable”: Atherton Sees Chinks In India’s Armour
On the Sky Cricket Podcast, Atherton described India as “an exceptional side” but insisted they are not invincible. He pointed to what he sees as limited depth in India’s bowling resources, suggesting they could struggle if their frontline attack comes under sustained pressure.
“I do not think they are impregnable,” Atherton said. “If you get after one or two of their main five bowlers, they are lacking a spare option in that department. Some of their batters have not found their best either.”
Atherton also emphasised that England would need to elevate their performance to overcome India’s quality.
“I think England have to be at their best to beat them,” he said.
England Progress Despite Salt-Buttler Struggles
England’s journey to the semi-finals has come without major contributions from their opening pair, Jos Buttler and Phil Salt. The duo have yet to put together 200 runs between them in the tournament, with only one half-century coming from Salt. Buttler, meanwhile, has scored just 62 runs across seven innings.
Atherton noted that England’s ability to advance despite the underwhelming returns from their key partnership could serve as a positive sign.
“Everybody said before this tournament that if England are going to win it then a big part of it will be the Salt-Buttler partnership, but neither has really got going,” Atherton said.
“They will take confidence from winning without that main bit of their team functioning, and they are getting better.”
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He further questioned whether this England side, much like their 2022 title-winning outfit, can raise their level when it matters most in the knockout rounds.
Atherton praised India’s calm and calculated chase against West Indies, which sealed their place in the semi-finals. However, he believes the tournament could culminate in a repeat of last year’s final.
“My instinct would be an India vs South Africa final, a replay of 2024,” he said.
As India and England prepare for yet another World Cup semi-final showdown, Atherton’s remarks have added an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
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