Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed India to beat Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 which will be played in the United States and West Indies from June 1.
Harbhajan, who won the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 50-over World Cup with India, is confident that the Men in Blue will beat Pakistan in the upcoming mega event due to their exceptional record and better squad.
"I am sure we will win against Pakistan, we have a great track record against them and have a better team," said the former spinner while talking to press ahead of IPL 2024 playoffs.
"The World Cup team has been selected. The batting is good. I think we are one fast bowler short. One player that I think we will miss is Rinku Singh, because he is someone who can win the match single-handedly for us. He can chase down 60 runs in 20 balls. I think selecting four spinners is a bit too much. Three would have been enough. I wish Team India all the best, hope they bring the cup.”
He then stated that India will not play four spinners a game as the decision will be dependent on conditions.
"I do not think we will ever play four spinners in a game. Ravindra Jadeja will play. Maybe Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will play with him. Maybe we will field three spinners in a game. We will get to know the combo on seeing the conditions," the spinner further added.
It is worth mentioning that India and Pakistan are placed in Group A of the World Cup alongside the United States, Ireland and Canada. The arch-rivals will lock horns in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament in New York on June 9.
Groups for T20 World Cup 2024
Group A: India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, United States
Group B: England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman
Group C: New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea
Group D: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal
- Harbhajan Singh