Harbhajan feels India should not be complacent against Sri Lanka

India has already set a foot in the semi-final stage of the Champions Trophy, with the win against arch-rivals Pakistan in their Group B match on Sunday. Their next clash will be against the Island nation Sri Lanka, against whom a victory would seal India’s spot in the next round of the competition.

Veteran off-spinner and Indian legend Harbhajan Singh has commented that the team led by Virat Kohli must not be complacent when they face the Asian side Sri Lanka at The Oval.

The offie wrote in his column on the International Cricket Council’s website, where he has cautioned the men in blue to pull up their socks in the fielding department after putting out a dismal show against Pakistan in the opener.

“India will carry a lot of positives into Thursday’s match. Almost every batsman fired in right earnest during Sunday’s showdown against Pakistan. Even the bowlers had a fruitful outing, but I would like to see some improvements in the bowling department,” he wrote on the website.

“I must admit that I was a little surprised by India’s underwhelming display in the field. Some of those catches should not have been dropped, but I guess the support staff will put the boys through their paces, and I hope to see an improved performance against Sri Lanka.” wrote the 36-year-old on the improvement that India will have to make against Sri Lanka.

“The men-in-blue should also be wary of the complacency factor. On a high after the 124-run win over Pakistan, Virat Kohli and his side must not let the intensity levels down. India just needs to get the basics right. I expect the top order as well as Kohli and Yuvraj Singh to take off from where they left in Birmingham,” he added when asked about the Indian team’s form.

Banking on the bowlers:

The spinner backed up the Indian opening bowlers after their fruitful display against Pakistan in the opener while expecting the green patch at the Oval to support the Indian bowlers.

“I also hope to see Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja make the most of the conditions at The Oval. Given the form that India is in, it is likely to emerge winner even if it plays to 70 percent potential. But let’s just hope the players give it their all,” he added.