Ravi Shastri makes a prediction ahead of the T20 World Cup

When Shastri was in charge of India in the T20 World Cup last year, the Asian team won only three of its five games and was unable to advance to the tournament's knockout rounds. With Suryakumar Yadav's recent ascent and the reintroduction of experienced finisher Dinesh Karthik to the middle order, the India batting line-up appears more stable now, over a year after it was first announced.

Shastri believes that India's hitters can help the side reach the semi-finals this time around, despite the loss of crucial fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to injury. It makes a significant difference to have Surya (Yadav) at No. 4, Hardik (Pandya) at No. 5, and Rishabh Pant or Dinesh Karthik at No. 6 because it enables the top order to play like they are now doing. India's fielding, though, has Shastri a little worried. The seasoned coach notes that the squad would need to do better in this area throughout the competition.