Mumbai: Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels West Indies would start as a strong contender for ICC T20 World Cup as they playing some solid cricket especially after the return of the swashbuckling Chris Gayle.

"West Indies are very dangerous in this format, and they are definitely progressing well and are a team to watch out for. Chris Gayle is an unpredictable batsman and is a T20 specialist,’ said Irfan said Pathan at a promotional event for the T20 World Cup.

Irfan who yesterday replaced Vinay Kumar in the Indian squad for the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka said that playing in the Island Nation would help them in the T20 World Cup which is scheduled to happen there.

“Playing now in Sri Lanka will be an advantage because the T20 Cup will also be played there; so we will get a chance to get used to the conditions,” added Irfan.

Irfan promised to utilize whatever opportunities he gets in the upcoming series.

"It is very unfortunate for Vinay Kumar. But then I am really happy that I got a chance to play. When I came to know I was not selected, it was for me to plan ahead for the season. Luckily I was training, so it is not going to be difficult for me now.”

The Baroda all rounder is well aware that his teammate Yuvraj Singh is eyeing a comeback to Indian Team after staying away the game since last November due to a rare germ cell cancer and feels that he would definitely make a comeback to the team.

"I saw Yuvi training at Bangalore. He is running pretty fast and I am sure he will come back into the team,” further added Pathan.

By Indian Sports News Network