World Cup 2019: Aakash Chopra thinks India’s loss to England has put their semi-final chances in jeopardy

The Indian team’s unbeaten streak came to an end at the hands of England, when they were beaten by 31 runs at Birmingham in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Jonny Bairstow’s brilliant century and half-centuries from Ben Stokes and Jason Roy proved to be India’s undoing. A lot of hopes were pinned on India’s win over England, as it has meant that Bangladesh and Pakistan received a little breathing space when they played their upcoming matches in order to qualify for the semi-finals.

Now with India’s loss, Pakistan need to beat Bangladesh and hope New Zealand beats England as well. For Bangladesh, they have to beat both Pakistan and India in their last two matches. However, former India opener Aakash Chopra feels that though things have become tough for the Men in Green and Tigers, the situation is far worse for Virat Kohli & Co.

Aakash Chopra feels the situation has worsened for India with this loss

India still have two matches in hand, one against the Bangla Tigers and last game against Sri Lanka and they need just one win to go through the semis and join Australia in the top four of the points table.

Chopra mentioned that yes, the loss has affected Bangladesh and Pakistan to an extent, but he feels that even the Kohli-led unit is under some serious pressure. They now have to win both the matches to finish among the top two. He felt the loss has impacted India more than any other teams and that the team’s chances are in serious jeopardy.

Chopra tweeted, “India lost. The loss might affect Pakistan or Bangladesh but it’s likely to impact India more. It’s put India’s chances to finish at the top under serious jeopardy. So…calm down you conspiracy theorists. There’s no smoke…because there’s no fire. Chill. #CWC19”

Also read – ICC World Cup 2019: Semi-final qualification scenarios for India, Pakistan, New Zeland, Bangladesh and England

Australia, the defending champions beat New Zealand to book a semi-final berth, while New Zealand, England, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are still in the running for the remaining three spots. For New Zealand to qualify, they only have to beat England and they are through. India, on the other hand, play Bangladesh on July 2 in Birmingham and Sri Lanka on July 6 at Leeds.