Former India all-rounder and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri believes India will enter the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in February as clear favourites to defend their title, citing current form, squad balance and the growing influence of spin as key factors.

India open their campaign on February 7 against the USA and have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, the Netherlands and Namibia. Since Rohit Sharma lifted the T20 World Cup trophy in Barbados last year, the Men in Blue have looked imperious under Suryakumar Yadav, remaining unbeaten in bilateral series and carrying strong momentum into the tournament.

Speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, Shastri said India’s dominance and depth make them the team to beat.
“I think the defending champions start as clear favourites. Man to man, current form, match fitness and the amount of cricket they have played in recent times make them clear favourites—especially when you look at the top order and the kind of form they are in,” Shastri said.

He also pointed to the relative freedom enjoyed by several players who will be experiencing their first World Cup.
“There is less baggage on a lot of players. They are playing their first World Cup, and it’s an opportunity for them to express themselves,” he added.

Shastri highlighted the importance of experience within the squad, naming key members of India’s 2024 title-winning side such as Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Dube as match-winners capable of handling high-pressure moments.

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“Hardik Pandya is in terrific form and gives you balance with bat and ball. Shivam Dube has come along nicely. Jasprit Bumrah is always a massive asset,” Shastri said, while stressing that India would be keen to have Tilak Varma fully fit following abdominal surgery.
“India will be hoping Tilak Varma is fit because he’s a terrific player. Being a left-hander at the top of the order makes a big difference.”

Spin, according to Shastri, could be decisive in India’s title defence. He believes the variety and depth in India’s spin attack gives them a clear edge in home conditions.
“I think spin will play an integral part. India has enough ammunition: Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav. When you look at the balance and players in the right positions, India can defend this title,” he said.

However, Shastri also sounded a note of caution, drawing lessons from India’s heartbreak in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. He warned that the pressure of defending a title at home can be unforgiving in the shortest format.
“When you’re defending your title and playing at home, pressure comes from nowhere. A bad 10 or 15 minutes in a T20 game can decide the match,” he noted.

“If India start well, even if there’s a hiccup along the way, they’ve got the batting depth to pull themselves out of trouble. But handling pressure will be key,” Shastri concluded.