'Hope they play good cricket and reach the Super 8 at least' - Gautam Gambhir on South Africa's difficult T20 World Cup draw

Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir expects South Africa to have a hard time in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is slated to begin on June 1. The Proteas are arguably in the ‘Group of Death’ with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands and Nepal in the mix in Group D of the mega tournament. 

The southpaw said that it will be tough for the Temba Bavuma-led side but he wants them to qualify to have stronger teams in the next round. Gambhir also reminded that there’s limited opportunity to make a comeback in T20 cricket and wants South Africa to be on their toes in the first round of the tournament.

“It seems like but who knows South Africa might survive that death this time. I hope they do that because you want to see good teams in the Super 8. You want to see a competition where you are challenged,” Gambhir said while speaking to Star Sports.

“The group you have mentioned, it's not going to be easy for South Africa because you have limited opportunity to make a comeback in the T20 format. If someone puts you under pressure, you don't have time to make a comeback. I hope South Africa play good cricket and reach the Super 8 at least,” the 42-year-old said. 

The good thing is that the West Indies will be a part of this T20 World Cup: Gambhir

West Indies are all set to make their comeback in the T20 World Cup, after missing out in 2022 as they failed to qualify. Gambhir is elated to see the Caribbean players return and added that players like Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran deserve to feature in the home World Cup.

“The good thing is that the West Indies will be a part of this T20 World Cup because we all know how dangerous West Indies are in this format. We want to see players like Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran when they play on their own grounds,” Gambhir said.