Virat Kohli Rules Out India, Says England Start As Favourites For T20 World Cup 2021

India captain, Virat Kohli believes that Eoin Morgan’s England side is the favourite to win the T20 World Cup which is scheduled to take place later in the year in India. Kohli’s comments come on the eve of the first T20I of the 5-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli was asked whether he thinks the Men in Blue are the favourites for the mega-event. However, the skipper clearly feels that it is indeed the Three Lions, who are also the numero uno ICC T20I team, that are the frontrunners for the title.

The upcoming series, if it produces a result, will break a streak of either team – India is undefeated in their last 7 T20I series, whereas England in their last 8. While England have very few spots to fix, with a problem of plenty for Morgan, India will search for their balance and middle-order batsmen – once again the number 4 spot is up for grabs.

“No, England will be the team to beat. They’re the number 1 side in the world. Prime focus will be on them. All other teams will be wary of the strengths they bring to the park. Every other team will agree with me,” Virat Kohli said in a virtual press conference.

Shikhar Dhawan is the third opener: Virat Kohli

Kohli also confirmed that Shikhar Dhawan will be benched and KL Rahul will open alongside Rohit Sharma. There were huge speculations as to which one of Dhawan or Rahul will be benched considering both have been in good form.

There were also speculations that all three could play. However, the skipper cleared the air out saying that Rohit and Rahul have been performing brilliantly as a pair at the top – Dhawan was dropped when India won 5-0 In New Zealand last year – and will continue to do so unless one of them is rested, then the left-hander will come in the eleven.

“If Rohit plays, it’s simple. KL and Rohit have been consistently performing at the top. If either of them take rest, Shikhar is the third opener. Rohit and Rahul will start,” Virat Kohli stated.

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