NEW DELHI: India may start the T20 World Cup as clear favourites, but the tag brings its own risks in a format where reputations mean little, former England captain Kevin Pietersen has warned.

The batting great said India’s depth and quality make them the team to beat, while stressing that T20 cricket remains a ruthless format, even for the hosts.

“India are the favourites, definitely, and everyone will admit this. But in T20 cricket, anything can happen," Pietersen told PTI Videos on the sidelines of alcoholic beverage brand Dram Bell’s launch event here.

Based on recent performances in the shortest format, India are widely viewed as frontrunners to lift the trophy. A settled core, enviable batting depth and a bowling attack capable of adapting to different surfaces have put the side in a strong position heading into the tournament at home.

Yet, Pietersen cautioned that familiarity with conditions offers no guarantees.

“In T20 cricket, on any given day, you can have two superstar players in the opposition who can beat you,” he said, recalling the 2023 ODI World Cup as an example of how quickly momentum can swing in global events.

India had dominated that tournament before being beaten by Australia in the final.

“You are playing against great players in other teams. That’s international sport,” he added.

Kuldeep Yadav a Fighter

Among India’s key weapons for the T20 World Cup is left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has not been at his best of late. However, Pietersen was unequivocal in his praise for both the bowler’s ability and mindset.

“Kuldeep is a star and a brilliant, brilliant guy,” Pietersen said.

“He is a tremendous character and a fighter. He is desperate to win and has got all of the tricks.”

Kuldeep’s value to India’s T20 plans lies in his ability to attack through the middle overs — a phase that often decides matches. His knack for picking wickets without bleeding runs gives India a vital edge.

While discussions around fluctuations in Kuldeep’s form persist, Pietersen urged patience.

“In life and in sport, people need to realise that sometimes it doesn’t go your way,” he said.

“Maybe he (Kuldeep) is having one of those periods that everyone has. I don’t know because I’m not following it that closely technically, but he is a beautiful human and a wonderful bowler,” he added.

Pietersen believes mentally tough, tactically adaptable players like Kuldeep will be crucial if India are to live up to their favourites tag.

“Pressure is always there when you’re expected to win … handling those moments is what defines champions,” said the former World Cup winner.

A Personal India Connect Beyond Cricket

Away from cricket, Pietersen described the launch of his alcoholic beverage brand Dram Bell as a deeply personal milestone.

“I’m incredibly proud to own a brand in India,” he said.

“It is very special to do something in a country that I love, with wonderful people, is really special. It’s about bringing people together to have a good time, and I’ve had such a good time in India over the last twenty years,” he signed off.

(With PTI Inputs)