India have strong chance to win World T20: Sehwag

New Delhi, March 7. Former swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag said on Monday that India have a good chance of winning the World Twenty20 championship which starts on Tuesday.

"India has 99 percent chances of winning the T20 World Cup. I say this because India today has one of world's best batting and bowling line ups. The Indian team is fit to take on any challenge," Sehwag said at a conclave organised by news channel Aaj Tak in the capital. Predicting that India could meet either South Africa or West Indies in the final, Sehwag pointed out that the men in blue have tasted success in recent times and have the right mix of youth and experience.

"India will also get the advantage of playing in domestic conditions. Dhoni will be able to bank on the likes of senior and experienced players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Ashish Nehra and he can use their advice to come out of any crunch situation," Sehwag said.

The 37-year-old also asserted that India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni would be a more effective batsman if he promotes himself up the batting order and comes in at number four.

"If he bats at number four, it is good for the team. He can play fast bowlers and spinners with equal elan and knows when to slow down or accelerate. I have been saying it since 2015 World Cup. I am not saying that he won't get out at that number but he can win more matches for India," Sehwag said.

Dhoni has been struggling with his form in recent months and has been facing questions on his retirement. Sehwag however, stated that Dhoni must continue to lead the Indian team to the 2019 50-over World Cup in England.

"Dhoni can play for 2-3 years. Similar questions were asked in 2011 about Sachin Tendulkar but it (retirement) never happened. Dhoni can play till 2019 World Cup. He does not play Tests and he can manage his fitness," he opined.

"Dhoni has already retired from test cricket and he is fit enough to continue playing in One-day and T20 matches," he added.

The 'Nawab of Najafgarh' also felt that Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are the best opening pair for India at the moment as the left-hand and right-hand combination gives them an edge.

Remembering his 300 run score against Pakistan as one of his best knocks, Sehwag said he always wanted to score 400 runs in a test match and he had even registered ‘Shewag400’ email to commemorate it, but it could not happen. He said he always enjoyed his explosive batting and never cared for anyone.

Sehwag also said he was ready to work for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided he is given a chance.

Agency