India are team to beat in T20 World Cup but need to be wary of Australia: Harbhajan

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that India have to be wary of Australia in T20 World Cup. Harbhajan however argued that India are the 'team to beat' in this edition of the tournament.

In Short

• Women's T20 World Cup started on October 3
• India are grouped with Australia in Group A
• Harbhajan Singh spoke about India's chances in the tournament

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that India need to be wary of Alyssa Healy's Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. India have been grouped with Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the 9th edition of the tournament, which began on October 3.

Speaking on Star Sports ahead of India's first match against New Zealand, Harbhajan said that India were the team to beat in the tournament, but needed to be careful of Australia's big-game prowess. Australia are the most successful team in tournament history, making it to the finals 7 out of 8 times.

“I think India needs to be very careful when playing against Australia. Looking at this group, India has Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. All these matches will definitely be important. But one match that I think will be a little tough is the India-Australia match," Harbhajan said on Star Sports ahead of India's first match.

"Australia is a good team, even though these matches are being played in Dubai, on subcontinent pitches that might not suit them as much as their home conditions. But Australia, no matter where they play, are hard to beat. So, the biggest challenge for India maybe Australia. Sri Lanka, too, after their recent series win against India, will be confident when they play against India. So, that will also be a good contest,” he further added.

T20 World Cup 2024: India's complete schedule

Harbhajan believed that India's biggest strength is that the team has a great mix of youth and experience, which would help them in the tournament. Harbhajan also backed the Women in Blue to win the tournament in UAE.

“Team India will be the team to beat in this tournament. The World Cup is about to start, and I think India’s team is very strong. They have both experience and youth. Harman is in good form, Smriti is in good form, and Deepti is an unbelievable spinner. They are a very capable team and have been playing very good cricket. The unit looks solid. If Team India plays good cricket overall, I believe they will win this tournament,” Harbhajan said.

India have not won the T20 World Cup yet. They came the closest in the 2020 edition, finishing as the runner-ups. The team, however, has reached three back to back semi-finals and would like to go one step better this time around.

“You have to try to give your best and not take pressure. At this stage, the only thing that matters is Gurda, Jigra. Know yourself, play as a unit, and give your best. Results will follow. Don’t think about the big picture; just take small steps with each match and focus on the process. I hope if they follow these things, our team will perform very well,” concluded the former spinner.