‘England stronger opposition than West Indies’: Sourav Ganguly warns India ahead of T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final

Speaking on the sidelines of the West Bengal CII Annual Meeting and Conference in Kolkata on Monday, Ganguly said, “England will be a stronger opposition than the West Indies.”

India will face England in the second semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on March 5.

(L-R) Sourav Ganguly and Mehul Mohanka, Deputy Chairman, CII Eastern Region and Group CEO & Managing Director, Tega Industries Ltd. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Samson’s Heroics Praised

Praising Sanju Samson for his match-winning knock against the West Indies in the Super 8 stage at Eden Gardens, Ganguly said the wicketkeeper-batter deserves consistent opportunities in limited-overs cricket.

“He should consistently play for India in the white ball,” said the former BCCI chief.

“It was very good… a virtual quarter-final. He is that sort of a player. When he gets it, he hurts the opposition. He played to the situation, which is important,” he added.

Samson smashed 12 fours and four sixes in a blistering 50-ball unbeaten 97 as India chased down 196, finishing at 199/5 with four balls to spare in front of a roaring home crowd.

Road to the Semis

India bounced back strongly after an opening Super 8 defeat to South Africa, registering two consecutive must-win victories to seal a semi-final berth.

Sanju Samson celebrates India's win over West Indies. Photo: BCCI/X

Group 1 toppers South Africa national cricket team will face the New Zealand national cricket team in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens on March 4.

India, meanwhile, take on Group 2 leaders England cricket team in what promises to be a high-voltage clash in Mumbai.