India’s defeat against South Africa has changed many equations in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2026. The figures are indicating that the defending champions may be out of the title race before qualifying for the semi-finals. But former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that Team India can still make it to the semi-finals.
During a recent conversation, Clarke described Team India as his favorite in the ongoing T20 World Cup. He described the Men in Blue as the best in the world in this format as well. The former cricketer is betting on the Suryakumar Yadav-led team to perform well on home soil, which could boost their chances of victory.
India is the best T20 team in the world: Michael Clarke
“For South Africa to beat the favorites in their own backyard – wow! It’s a big game for them and a big win. The pressure is now on this Indian team, which is going to be great to watch,” Michael Clarke said on the Beyond23 cricket podcast.
He further added, “For me, they are still the best team; they are the best T20 team in the world playing in conditions they know well. So, I am still backing them to reach the final, but things have changed now after losing that game to South Africa.”
India’s next Super 8 match will be against Zimbabwe on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Without showing any disrespect to Zimbabwe, the Australian team is expecting an easy win for India over Zimbabwe.
“You obviously expect them to beat Zimbabwe – and again, no disrespect to Zimbabwe, they deserve to be in the Super 8s – but I expect India to beat them easily,” he said.
Clarke predicts India’s easy win over Zimbabwe
Following the conclusion of the Zimbabwe clash, the Men in Blue will prepare to take on West Indies. The Caribbean players have been in excellent form since the beginning of the tournament. Clarke expects to see a fierce clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 1 when India take on former T20 World Cup champions West Indies.
“Against West Indies that is going to be fantastic. West Indies are playing their best cricket at the moment. They are stumbling. They have a great team, and they are confident in themselves. I think that game could be the one that decides whether the other team from that group qualifies.”
Michael Clarke also said that it would be a shock for Indian cricket fans if India were out of the race. The former cricketer does not want to be out of the equation so soon as there are still chances to see some miracles.
Michael Clarke still has faith in Team India
“If India don’t qualify… if you’re an Indian cricket fan you’ll be absolutely furious, and you’ll be surprised. They’re brilliant at T20 cricket; they’re the best team in the world currently, and they’re playing in conditions they know very well. It would be a huge thing if India couldn’t qualify. I wouldn’t rule India out not only to qualify but also to reach that final – you’d be a fool”, said Michael Clarke.
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