Jason Holder of the West Indies (AP Photo/Bikas Das)
As India gears up for a crucial Super 8 series clash against West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday, former cricketer Manoj Tiwari delivered a tepid but directed message to the Men in Blue.
Failure to beat the Caribbean side in an ICC T20 World Cup match could also impact their future IPL prospects, he joked.The next match is actually a knockout, with the winner securing a semi-final berth and the loser going home. The two teams have two points from two matches in the Super 8 stage. Each of them recorded a strong victory over Zimbabwe, but South Africa prevailed, making this match a direct penalty shootout to qualify.
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During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Tiwari backed India to bounce back strongly, pointing to their recent strong fireworks.“India scored 256 in their last match, so from this position, they should qualify. There is no pressure at all. The expectation is to score 200-plus runs and defeat West Indies easily. If they cannot defeat West Indies, no one will get IPL contracts,” Tiwari said with a smile on his face.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag, who was part of the same panel, spoke in a more nuanced tone. He reminded fans that no party can be underestimated in a global event.“It can happen; it’s not like we are invincible and can’t lose to anyone. The other team is also here to play and win. I had a bad day and lost that day to South Africa. Then we beat Zimbabwe, and now if we beat West Indies, we will qualify with a laugh,” Sehwag said.He also spoke about the intense public reaction that followed India’s defeat to South Africa.He added: “Our country is very emotional, they get emotional very quickly. After losing just one match, people reacted as if we had lost the World Cup.”With England, New Zealand and South Africa already through to the semi-finals, the final spot will be decided in this high-pressure encounter between India and West Indies.