Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has tipped the Indian men’s team to enter the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup as strong favourites, highlighting a fearless squad mindset and the growing influence of spin as key factors behind their dominance. India are set to begin their title defence on February 7 with an opening clash against co-hosts USA. They have been placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, along with the Netherlands and Namibia.
"I think the defending champions start as clear favourites. Man to man, current form, match fitness, the amount of cricket they have played in recent times, makes them clear favourites. And especially when you look at that top order and the kind of form they are in," Shastri said on the ICC Review.
"There is less baggage on a lot of players. They are playing their first World Cup, and it is an opportunity for them to express themselves."
“And from the team that played the previous World Cup and won it in the West Indies, you've got tons of experience and brilliance," Shastri added.
Shastri also pointed to the depth of experience within the squad, naming several players who could play decisive roles. He noted that the presence of proven match-winners such as Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube will be crucial.
“There's Jasprit Bumrah, there's Hardik Pandya, who I think is in terrific form at the moment and the ability for him to contribute with bat and ball. Shivam Dube has come along nicely."
Shastri also highlighted the challenges for the defending champions.
“When you're defending your title and when you're playing at home, there is pressure and it comes from nowhere. You have a bad 15 minutes, a bad 10 minutes in a T20 game, it can decide the outcome of the game. And often, you lose those 10 minutes or 15 minutes because of pressure," he said.