Former England captain Michael Atherton believes India may be favorites heading into their T20 World Cup semifinal against England at the Wankhede Stadium, but insists they are far from unbeatable.

India and England are set to meet in a T20 World Cup semifinal for the third straight edition, having clashed previously in 2022 and 2024. Speaking on the Sky Cricket Podcast, Atherton analyzed India’s strengths and weaknesses, pointing out that while they remain an exceptional side, there are areas England can exploit.

Atherton noted that India’s bowling attack lacks a genuine “spare” option beyond their main five bowlers. He added that if opponents manage to put pressure on one or two key bowlers, the attack can appear stretched. He also highlighted concerns around India’s fielding and the fact that some of their batters are yet to hit top form in the tournament.

“I do not think they are unbeatable,” Atherton said, even as he praised India’s impressive run chase against West Indies in a must-win Super 8 encounter to secure their semifinal berth.

On England’s prospects, Atherton said the team should draw confidence from reaching the semifinals despite underwhelming returns from openers Jos Buttler and Phil Salt. The pair have struggled for consistency, managing fewer than 200 runs combined, with Salt contributing the only half-century between them. Buttler, in particular, has endured a lean run, scoring just 62 runs in seven innings.

“Everybody said before this tournament that if England are going to win it, a big part of it will be the Salt-Buttler partnership, but neither has really got going,” Atherton observed.

He added that England would be encouraged by their ability to progress despite their main opening combination failing to fire and suggested the side appears to be improving at the right time. However, he questioned whether they could elevate their performance in crunch moments the way their 2022 title-winning side did.

Atherton concluded by saying England must be at their absolute best to overcome India. His instinct, though, is that the final will see a rematch of the 2024 edition, with India taking on South Africa.