Twenty20 World Championship 2009

Tendulkar backs India to win T20 World Cup

Former captain Sachin Tendulkar has thrown his support behind India, saying that they are ‘well balanced’ and will go on to retain their ICC World Twenty20 crown in England next month.

Twenty20 World Cup Schedule

Tendulkar, who does not play Twenty20 International cricket although he captains Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians, said that he believes India will be celebrating again in under a month’s time.

“India is the most balanced side in the world and there is no doubt we can defend the title,” he said.

Tendulkar, who has played 159 Tests and 425 One Day Internationals for his country, backs India’s pace attack, led by Zaheer Khan, RP Singh and Ishant Sharma, to succeed, especially in English conditions.

“Zaheer, Ishant, Rudra Pratap Singh form a lethal combination, particularly in English conditions. Our seam attack has a lot of variety and that would come handy in such conditions. On our day, we can demolish any batting side. We come as a package… (and) I am certain this package is the best in business at the moment. This package has everything which is necessary to make us world champions once again.”

Wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will lead the side, as he did in South Africa in 2007 when they beat arch-rivals Pakistan by five runs to clinch the title. India take on Bangladesh and Ireland in Group A of the 2009 tournament, which begins on 5th June.

Tags: bcci, icc, India, sachin tendulkar, T20 World Cup 2009