South Africa served India their only defeat by 76 runs in Ahmedabad in the Super 8s. However, they were thrashed by New Zealand in the semifinal on Wednesday and were knocked out of the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Wassan believes the loss may actually work in India\u2019s favour heading into the knockout stages.\u201cThe defeat against South Africa could be a blessing in disguise for Team India. Sometimes such losses prepare a team mentally for the pressure of big matches and help them come back stronger,\u201d he told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In their crucial Super 8s match against the West Indies, India ride on Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97 to enter the last four, beating the Windies by five wickets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Wassan also praised the recent performance of Sanju Samson, calling it a positive sign for the Indian batting unit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSanju Samson\u2019s performance in the previous match was very encouraging. When a player like him finds form at this stage of the tournament, it boosts the team\u2019s confidence,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead to key individual battles, Wassan said the contest between England\u2019s pace spearhead Jofra Archer and Samson could prove crucial.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe battle between Jofra Archer and Sanju Samson will be fascinating to watch. If players like Jos Buttler and Phil Salt get going at the top, it will be very important for England,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, the former pacer acknowledged that England look like a balanced side and possess several match-winners in their lineup. He singled out Will Jacks as one of the standout performers of the tournament so far.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEngland look like a very balanced team. Will Jacks has emerged as a rising star in this tournament and has been playing some outstanding cricket. Comparatively, England\u2019s spin attack \u2014 with players like Adil Rashid, Richard Dawson and Will Jacks \u2014 looks more effective at the moment,\" Wassan said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For India, Wassan believes the responsibility will once again rest heavily on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. He said, \"Bumrah is like a bank for India \u2014 a dependable player you can always rely on. If he manages to break the opening partnership early, it could make things much easier for India.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Wassan also highlighted the significance of conditions at Wankhede Stadium, noting that the dew factor could influence the toss decision.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWankhede is a relatively small ground and the dew factor can play a big role. The team winning the toss will most likely prefer to bowl first,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Talking about India\u2019s batting order, Wassan advised against putting pressure on young opener Abhishek Sharma and encouraged him to stick to his aggressive approach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWankhede is a relatively small ground and the dew factor can play a big role. The team winning the toss will most likely prefer to bowl first,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added that the presence of Axar Patel lower down the order provides valuable depth to the Indian lineup. \u201cHaving Axar Patel in the lower order gives India a safety cushion in batting,\u201d Wassan concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n