Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has backed the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team to defend their T20 World Cup title, while also highlighting the importance of spinners at the mega event, which begins next month on February 7.
Having won the last World Cup, India have the opportunity to become the first team to win back-to-back titles. It would also mark India’s third ICC title in two years, having won last year’s Champions Trophy as well.
“I think the defending champions start as clear favourites,” Shastri said, as quoted by the ICC. “Man for man, current form, match fitness, and the amount of cricket they have played in recent times make them clear favourites. Especially when you look at that top order and the kind of form they’re in.”
Since the World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka, spin will play an integral part, according to Shastri. The two-time winners have Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel in their ranks.
“I think spin will play an integral part, and India have enough ammunition in that department. There’s Chakaravarthy, there’s Axar Patel, there’s Kuldeep Yadav. When you look at variety, players in the right positions and overall balance, India can defend this title.”
The former India all-rounder also listed the challenges the Men in Blue could face while defending their crown.
“When you’re defending your title and playing at home, there is pressure, and it comes from nowhere,” he noted. “You have a bad 10 or 15 minutes in a T20 game and it can decide the outcome. Often, you lose those moments because of pressure.”
India have not lost a single bilateral series since 2024. They are ranked number one in the ICC team rankings and have momentum on their side. At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, the Indian team will kick-start their campaign against the USA on February 7 before taking on Pakistan on February 15.
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