"Despite the speculations going on, he spoke about Hardik Pandya"- Rohit Sharma on the end of spine-chilling verdict about his captaincy

Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth has backed India to lift the T20 World Cup 2024 title this time. India, led by Rohit Sharma, has been one of the two unbeaten teams in the tournament alongside South Africa.

The Men in Blue have looked in great form in this tournament so far. They won three matches in the group stage by defeating Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. India didn't stop here and went on to beat Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia in the Super 8 stage to enter the semi-finals on a high note.

But they will face a stern test now in the semi-finals in the form of defending champions England. England is the same team that defeated India by 10 wickets in the semi-finals of the last edition of the T20 World Cup.

Also read: India Playing 11 vs England - ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Semi Final 2

S Sreesanth backs Rohit Sharma to lift the trophy

During an exclusive chat on the Star Sports Press Room, S Sreesanth lauded Rohit Sharma's captaincy and backed the Indian skipper to lift the T20 World Cup 2024. He praised the Indian captain for showing faith in Hardik Pandya's abilities despite a poor IPL season.

"Rohit Sharma has all the capabilities of a winning captain. He's got that experience, so I don't see any reason why he can't go all the way and win the World Cup. We spoke about Rashid Khan and how, with brotherhood, he has kept the team as a unit. Similarly, Rohit Sharma has also done it many times in franchise cricket. He knows every player individually. Despite the speculations going on throughout the week, in the last press conference, he spoke about Hardik Pandya being a key player in the team, Sreesanth said.

Rohit Sharma started the tournament slowly but was at his best in India's last Super 8 clash against Australia. The right-handed opener totally demolished the Australian bowling attack in his blistering knock of 92 off just 41 balls, which included 7 fours and 8 sixes.

In the match, Rohit scored 29 runs off Mitchell Starc's second over of the match to set the tone for the rest of the innings. He hit 4 sixes in the over. He reached his fifty off just 19 balls and kept on showing intent throughout the innings. If Rohit provides India another flying start in the semi-final, England could be in trouble.

S Sreesanth praises Hardik Pandya

S Sreesanth also heaped praises on Hardik Pandya and felt that he could do the same job for India as Yuvraj Singh did in the ODI World Cup 2011.

"Just like Yuvraj Singh in the 2011 World Cup as an all-rounder with bat, ball, and fielding, I think Hardik Pandya is very much capable of doing that in this World Cup. We wouldn't be surprised if Rohit Sharma lifts that trophy." the former Indian quick stated.

Hardik Pandya has been in tremendous form in the T20 World Cup 2024 after a poor IPL season. He has scored 116 runs in six matches at an average of 58 and a strike rate of 145 with the bat. With the ball, the allrounder has picked up 8 wickets in six matches at an average of 19.62 and an economy rate of 7.47.

Meanwhile, S Sreesanth was part of India's squad that lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup title in 2007. Since then, India hasn't won any title in this format.