'We'll be aggressive' - Jos Buttler issues warning to Rohit Sharma's India ahead of semi-final clash

England white-ball skipper Jos Buttler warned the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team ahead of the second semifinal clash in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Jos Buttler stated that they are confident about defeating the Indian team in the upcoming match and reaching the final of the ICC tournament.

England started the T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a washout against Scotland. The Three Lions then lost to Australia before registering wins against Oman and Namibia in the group stages of the event. They advanced to the Super Eight stages of the World Cup after Australia's victory over Scotland.

The Jos Buttler-led team became the first team to advance to the semifinals in the T20 World Cup 2024. They beat the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) to reach the semifinal stage. England is set to play against India in their next match at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday, June 27.

India and England have faced each other six times in their T20 World Cup history, with India leading the rivalry 4-2. Two years ago, England produced one of their best T20 performances. The Jos Buttler-led side defeated Rohit Sharma's side by 10 wickets in the semifinals of the 2022 tournament in Adelaide.

We're Playing Against Very Different India - Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler stated that India will present a formidable challenge to them in the upcoming match. Buttler emphasized that India has embraced an aggressive approach under Rohit Sharma's tenure since the 2022 tournament. He acknowledged the need for England to match India's aggression.

"We're playing against very different India side here. The way Rohit leads his team and the way he bats, they play with a hell of a lot of freedom and try to be very aggressive," Buttler said.

"That was probably a shift for them after that [2022] tournament and they played like that in the 50-over World Cup as well. They're very confident in that style of play and we'll have to be ready for that. We know they'll be aggressive and we'll be the same," he added.

We Got Off To A Good Start - Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler recalled the T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal, describing it as one of his memorable games in an England shirt. The wicketkeeper-batter highlighted Suryakumar Yadav's dismissal as a standout moment. He emphasized the strong start that secured the victory against India in Adelaide.

“Great memories. A really special day. One of the great games for me in an England shirt. Surya getting out was a standout moment for me. We got off to a good start, which was vital," Buttler further stated.

The Rohit Sharma-led team remains undefeated in the tournament. The Men in Blue won three group-stage matches, and the final match was interrupted by rain. They continued their winning streak with three victories in the Super 8s. The India team aims to secure their second T20 World Cup title.

Also read: Rohit Sharma reminded of 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final loss by former England Captains