Home
Former Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene has spoken up about his favourite team to lift the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia, stating that India is one of his teams to go all the way in the marquee event. Sharing his thoughts on why India is one of the teams to look out for, Jayawardene spoke about different reasons for the same.
After their subpar finish in the Asia Cup, India announced their 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, which included pacer Jasprit Bumrah, returning from injury. Among the many reasons, Jayawardene pointed out that Bumrah's return is crucial for India, especially with the new ball.
"Obviously, not having Jasprit was also a factor. He fills a big gap for them with the new ball and at the back end. That will settle them as well when he is back in Australia," Jayawardene said.
The 45-year-old also singled out Virat Kohli's return to form in the Asia Cup as another reason to count the side as trophy contenders. The former India skipper ended his 1,020-day drought without a century in the Asia Cup, scoring his 71st international hundred against Afghanistan. He finished as the second-highest scorer in the tournament with 276.
"He was there and thereabouts pretty much. He just didn't have that big score under his belt to get that confidence, especially in white-ball cricket, which is always going to happen. There were a few injury concerns in the last 12 months. So not having that consistent run also makes it tough," said Jayawardene.
The Sri Lankan legend heaped praise on Kohli and touted him as an important factor for opponents to look out for at World Cups. "In the Asia Cup, he batted well, showed what he is capable of, especially in that batting position. Going forward for India, having that stability in that line-up and having confidence that a guy like Virat is going to be a factor, is going to be a concern for the opposition as well. It's good to see him batting like that.
We need all these brilliant players to be at their best form in a World Cup, and that's what the World Cup deserves as well," Jayawardene added.
