Pressure on Team India increased after defeat from South Africa, Zimbabwe captain Alexander Raja warned

After the crushing defeat against South Africa, the pressure on Team India is clearly visible in the Super-8 stage of T20 World Cup 2026. This defeat has not only dealt a blow to the Indian team, which is on a continuous winning streak in the tournament, but has also created a mental challenge before the upcoming matches. Now India will have to take every step forward in its next matches.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has increased the excitement of the match by giving an open warning to India. Raza has clearly said that his team will not use lack of experience of playing in India as an excuse and is ready for a big upset in the Super-8. Zimbabwe’s confidence is sky high after giving a tough fight to teams like Sri Lanka and Australia in the group stage.

Sikandar Raza gave a big statement

Sikandar Raza said in clear words that his team will not make any excuse regarding the Indian conditions. He said, “Whatever the result, we will not say that we could not adjust to the conditions. The Zimbabwe team and its fans do not think like this.”

Raza (Sikandar Raza) emphasized that the team is not relying on history or statistics, but on its preparation and strong mindset. He said that after starting the Super-8 at Wankhede, the team’s focus is only on better performance.

Lack of experience will not be an excuse in India

Zimbabwe has not played any T20 match in India in the last decade, but Raza is not ready to consider this an issue. He said that the team has completed warm-up sessions, practice in the nets is going on and the players have seen and understood a lot of cricket.

Raza (Sikandar Raza) himself has played in the IPL and he believes that understanding the Indian conditions will help him in making strategies. He also said that instead of focusing on things like small ground or pitch, the team will focus on its game as the conditions are the same for both the teams.

Raza’s frank answer on the semi-final race

When Sikandar Raza was asked how many people were considering Zimbabwe as a semi-finalist, he smiled and said that probably very few people. But this is what motivates the team. “We don’t know whether we will be able to reach the semi-finals or not, but being the captain, we will try our best,” he said. According to Raza, the team’s confidence is increasing with every win and the atmosphere in the dressing room has become more positive than before.