As an Indian and a cricket fan, I am always excited when the New Year begins, as I know that that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just a few months away. But this year we have something bigger to look forward to. It's the ICC World T20 tournament and the best part is this that, this year is that it's coming to India.
As the world gets set to be entertained by the best in the business, let's talk about the teams which are deemed “favorites” to win it.
The first team which almost always carries the tag of a favourite are the hosts India. This year, too, they have a strong team with a mix of youngsters like Jasprit Bhumrah ,Hardik Pandya and Pawan Negi and experienced campaigners like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and fan favourite Virat Kohli .With a rejuvenated Yuvraj Singh back in the national team and the deadly form their openers have been, India definitely are one of the best teams in the tournament, if not the best. If all that isn't enough the grounds are going to favour the likes of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Negi and with the backing of the home crowd, India should be expected to do well.
Another team which usually carries the tag line of a favourite is South Africa. They boast of a super batting and pace attack .They also have the best batsman in the world -AB De Villers--who loves batting in India .He might be the only foreigner to gets support from the crowd all over India. With the likes of Hashim Amla , Rilee Rossouw and captain Faf du Plessis, they boast of a super batting line-up. Their bowling department will be lead by Dale Steyn. Kyle Abbot and Kagiso Rabada will complete their pace department. Imran Tahir and part time JP Duminy will try and spin their way on the ever-turning Indian grounds to help South Africa win their 1st ICC competition.
But T20 is known for its surprises and upsets .Any team on their day can beat any another team .All we can do now is wait. Wait for the extravaganza to start!
