'You can’t take South Africa lightly' - Surinder Khanna warns India ahead of T20 World Cup 2024 final

Former India cricketer Surinder Khanna has warned Team India ahead of their T20 World Cup final match against South Africa at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. Khanna hailed the team captain Rohit Sharma for his leadership and believes that India can win the World Cup under him.

India has been in good form this tournament. They played on tough wickets in New York but passed the challenge through stupendous bowling efforts. Afterwards, the Men in Blue raised their game in the Super 8 stage to beat Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia in straight games.

India didn't stop there and defeated a strong England team in the semi-finals to march into the final. With form on their side, the Men in Blue will look to end their ICC trophy drought that has been going on since 2013.

Also read: Virat Kohli's childhood coach delivers strong verdict on 'captain' Rohit Sharma; makes huge prediction for IND vs SA T20 World Cup final

Surinder Khanna warns India ahead of the final against South Africa

During an exclusive chat with IANS, Surinder Khanna hailed Team India for reaching the final. He was equally happy with the way South Africa has played.

“It is really impressive that our team reached the final. The way they played against England – defending champions – in the semis was phenomenal. So, I am very happy for the team and also for South Africa,” Khanna exclaimed.

However, Khanna warned India of any complacency in the final. He believes that South Africa are a good side as well and they cannot be taken lightly.

“You can’t sit on the past laurels. India did great so far. They are a good side. But South Africa is unbeaten as well. They have good bowlers with them. You can’t take your opponents lightly,” Khanna said.

“Everyone was supporting Afghanistan and the way Proteas bowlers finished the Rashid Khan-led side in 56, showed that South Africa can be dangerous. Being an Indian, I want India to win but our opponent is tough too,” he added.

Rohit Sharma is 'cool', claims Surinder Khanna

Surinder Khanna also lauded the way Rohit Sharma has handled pressure situations and termed him a 'cool' skipper. He also spoke about Rohit backing Virat Kohli despite the latter's poor form, although he didn't take Kohli's name.

“Rohit is cool. His records speak about his captaincy. The way he handles the team is really impressive. Some players are not in form but he believes that ‘form is temporary, and class is permanent’, which is very good. And that is why he is the captain of all three formats. It will be really great if India wins the World Cup under him,” the former India wicketkeeper said.

Both India and South Africa are the only unbeaten sides in the tournament and are the deserving finalists. The final is likely to be a thriller with both sides looking to end their long ICC trophy drought. While India won the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007, South Africa are yet to win an ICC tournament.