Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi wreaked havoc on the Indian batting line-up during the Asia Cup 2023 group match in Pallekele on September 2.

The left-arm pacer dismissed star batters Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (4) with the new ball. He also claimed the wickets of India's top-scorer Hardik Pandya (87) and Ravindra Jadeja (14) in the death overs to return with the figures of 4 for 35 in his 10 overs.

As India are gearing up to face Pakistan again in the Super-4 around in Colombo on September 10, former spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged the Indian batters to make sure that Shaheen does not get any wickets.

“India have to make sure that Shaheen does not get wickets. If he does not get wickets, then the pressure will be on the other bowlers,” said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel.

Harbhajan feels pressure will shift on Pakistan if India manages to see off Shaheen’s spell with the new ball.

India’s group-stage match against Pakistan ended in a no-result due to incessant drizzle in the second innings.

“When the pressure will shift, then the so-called World Class bowling attack will be all over the place. If India are batting first, then they should aim to score around 300 runs,” he added.

Harbhajan put the onus on Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to see off the overs of Afridi.

“If Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill play out the first 15 overs against the new ball, then I don't think India will be in any kind of trouble. It is important that Gill, Rohit and Kohli play well, they will have to keep their ego aside while facing the Pakistan pacers with the new ball. Even if you don't score runs off Shaheen initially, it is totally fine,” he remarked.