Gavaskar feels India might prefer this opponent in CT semis
What's the story
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has hinted that the Indian cricket team would prefer a semi-final clash against Australia instead of South Africa in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile, India's semi-final opponent will be known after their final group match against New Zealand, set to take place on March 02.
Additionally, both Australia and South Africa have qualified from Group B, while India and New Zealand have progressed from Group A.
Here's more.
Tournament progress
India's journey to the semi-finals
India booked their place in the semi-finals after defeating Bangladesh and Pakistan by six wickets each in their first two matches.
The final group match against New Zealand will decide India's position in Group A, and then their semi-final opponent.
Meanwhile, Gavaskar spoke about India's preferred choice of semifinal opponent during a chat with India Today.
"Maybe Australia because they've played Australia, they know Australia little bit better than South Africa," he noted, explaining the reasons behind his prediction.
Match preference
Gavaskar's analysis of potential semi-final opponents
Gavaskar said India could favor a game against Australia owing to their inexperienced pace attack.
He said, "Both teams are formidable teams. There's no such team that India will say, because now they know, they've come to the knockout stages."
As mentioned, he added India could prefer Australia as they know them better and Australia are without their main bowlers.
"They might prefer Australia because Australia are without their main bowlers. There's no Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood," he added.
Match possibilities
Scenarios for India's semi-final match
The winner of Group A will meet the second-placed team from Group B in one semi-final, while the Group A runner-up will clash with the top team from Group B in the other.
New Zealand currently top Group A with a better Net Run Rate than India.
If Australia top Group B and India lose to New Zealand, we could see Australia vs India in Dubai.
Team assessment
Australia's performance and potential threat to India
Australia began their campaign with a record chase of 352 against England, courtesy of Jos Inglis's brilliant century (120* off 86).
However, their next two matches against South Africa and Afghanistan (in the second innings) were washed out, taking them to the semi-finals with four points.
Travis Head, the Australian opener who has previously produced match-winning performances against India, is a big threat if the two teams meet in the semi-final.
IND vs SA assesment
South Africa's performance and potential threat to India
South Africa began their campaign with a dominant 107-run win against Afghanistan, courtesy of a ton from Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram's record-breaking fifty.
However, their next match against Australia was washed out, while they beat England by seven wickets in their final game, taking them to the semi-finals with five points.
Heinrich Klassen, the Proteas wicketkeeper batter who has previously threatened India with a few knocks, is a big threat if the two teams meet in the semifinal.