T20 World Cup 2022: Gautam Gambhir fires a warning to Team India

Team India at WACA after warm-up match (PC: Twitter)

The Indian team will commence their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign with a high-octane clash against Pakistan on October 23. Amidst the high anticipation around the imminent contest, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has issued a massive warning to the ‘Men in Blue’ regarding another team in the tournament.

Earlier Rohit Sharma’s draw-cards entered the 2022 Asia Cup in UAE as favourites to lift the title. However, they sustained back-to-back defeats to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the super-four stages, and failed to qualify for the final. As it turned out, the Sri Lankans emerged as champions by defeating Pakistan in the summit clash.

Gautam Gambhir says Sri Lanka will be a threat in T20 World Cup 2022

While speaking on Star Sports, Gambhir labelled Sri Lanka as one of the title contenders this T20 World Cup. He praised the side for peaking at the right time, considering their recent run in the format. The former Indian opener said:

“Sri Lanka, because of the kind of success they have had at the Asia Cup. The way they are playing, the way they are probably peaking at the right time. They are going to be a threat and so they are going to take a lot of confidence into the T20 World Cup.”

Despite Gambhir’s confidence in Sri Lanka, the team suffered a shock defeat to Namibia in their opening match of the tournament itself. The Dasun Shanaka-led side failed to chase down Namibia’s 163-run total, and were dusted out for a mere 108 to succumb to a 55-run defeat.

Sri Lanka now need to win both their remaining opening round games in order to qualify for the Super 12. Shanaka and co. will face the UAE on October 18 in Geelong.

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