India haven’t lost a T20I series under Suryakumar-Gautam Gambhir regime.
Looking at the unprecedented dominance and quality of players in the squad, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly believes the defending champions can become the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cup titles.
The showpiece tournament, featuring 20 teams, will be played across five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
“India is a very strong team and I think they are at their best at the moment. The batting, the spin department, the seam bowling led by (Jasprit) Bumrah. So, there is a lot of quality in the side. What’s important in these big tournaments is, is to peak at the right time and play well during the tournament. I know past has got no meaning but, they will peak at the big tournament and I think they will be one of my favourites," Ganguly said in a video shared by Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Instagram.
India will open their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7 against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, followed by matches against Namibia in Delhi (February 11), Pakistan in Colombo (February 15), and Netherlands in Ahmedabad (February 18).
During the 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens will stage seven matches, including a semifinal if Pakistan and Sri Lanka fail to qualify and Ganguly is excited for fans to come and watch games.
“I think not just CAB, the whole of the city is looking forward to the mega event. There are seven matches, including an India game on the 1st of March and then a semi-final. So, it’s a big event," Ganguly said.
“I was president the first time when we hosted it in 2016 (T20 World Cup). The India-Pakistan game and the final. So, CAB, it’s a great stadium, it’s a great venue and it will be full and people are looking forward to this tournament. They will enjoy it here, come and watch cricket. They always do actually. People come and watch cricket, they will be turning up as well."
“There are other teams as well who will be playing because that’s what the World Cup is. It’s a 20-team competition, so there will be other games. Come and watch it. There are some good sides who will play well in T20 cricket. Hit the ball a long way, hit sixes and fours and you will enjoy it," he remarked.