Brian Lara Rates India as Favourites to Win ICC World Twenty20
West Indian legend Brian Lara said he would give hosts India top billing to win the World Twenty20 Cup as they are playing at home. Lara, however, warned other teams to be wary of West Indian team, as they have explosive players in their squad.
Batting legend Brian Lara has tipped India to win the Twenty20 World Cup but says the West Indies can be a threat if they can avoid the inconsistency that has plagued them in the past. (India Are Favourites For World Twenty20: Shane Watson) ÂÂ
While the West Indies will be packed with all their international stars after selecting a strong squad last week, Lara said India would enter the tournament with the edge because of home advantage, reports CMC. (India Become World No.1 in T20 Internationals)
"I think India will win in home conditions," the former Test captain said following an outing at the Abu Dhabi Invitational golf pro-am here on Monday.
"Their players know the pitches and they're playing good cricket against the best teams in the world at present in that version of the game. I would definitely give them top billing."
"But I must talk about the West Indies. I hope they can pick the best possible team because if they do, every other nation will be worried," he added. (Darren Sammy Disappointed by Contract Snub by the West Indies Cricket Board)
The West Indies have selected the core of the side which stunned hosts Sri Lanka in the final of the 2012 Twenty20 World Cup two years ago in at the R. Premadasa Stadium. (Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine Back in West Indies Squad for World Twenty20)
The squad will be led again by all-rounder Darren Sammy and includes the likes of global superstar Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell - all familiar faces in the major T20 leagues across the world.
Lara believes once the side can gel and play consistent cricket, they would be genuine contenders at the March 8 to April 3 tournament.
"Chris Gayle, Darren Bravo or Kieron Pollard, all these guys when they come together, there's a certain chemistry. I can tell they want to be together and pull together," the 46-year-old pointed out.
"But on occasions, we know the West Indies can be very inconsistent. We can still have the best players and be out in the first round. You never know with the West Indies."
The West Indies have been drawn in Group 1 alongside England, South Africa and Sri Lanka, along with a yet-to-be-determined qualifier.
They will undergo a preparation camp in Dubai later this month before flying to Kolkata for the two official warm-ups against Australia and India.