New Delhi: India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, stated on Wednesday that the setback against Pakistan was a wake-up call for the team, adding that every match from now on will be a must-win game for the Virat Kohli-led side.
“The loss against Pakistan is a wake up call for Team India. I am sure they will come back stronger against New Zealand,” said the veteran spinner.
“India have a very good side, they just had an off day against Pakistan. I still back India to beat New Zealand, knowing the quality we have in this team. They just need to go out there and showcase their talent,” he added.
Singh also ruled out the possibility of a virtual quarter-final between India and New Zealand, and predicted that Afghanistan will surprise any team. India will face New Zealand on October 31.
“The match against New Zealand is not a virtual quarter-final. Afghanistan can upset anyone, we can’t take them lightly,” Indian off-spinner told India Today.
“We must beat New Zealand first and then think about the other games. From now onwards, all the matches are a kind of must-win game for Team India,” he added.
The race for the second semi-final spot will be decided between India, New Zealand or if Afghanistan have some upsets in their sleeves. While it is expected that Pakistan will be the top contender of the first semi-final spot. The Babar Azam-led team had won two games in a row in the ongoing tournament. After upsetting India and New Zealand, they will now face Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia in the next three matches.
