Brian Lara believes India are the favorites to win the 2016 World T20
West Indies batting legend Brian Lara strongly believes that India are the favourites to clinch the World T20 to be held in their own backyard early next year, The Times of India reports. The 46-year-old also had his say on getting involved with the West Indies team management in the future.
India might be at the receiving end of a lot of criticism due to their dismal performance in the three-match T20 series against the visiting South African side having lost 2-0. The recent losses have hampered the expectations of a section of the fans in India, but Lara thinks India have it in them to not just put up a serious challenge, but also go on and win the big prize.
"I think the Indian team will be a dangerous team at home. And they proved that during (by winning) the World Cup in 2011 in India under (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni. They have got very exciting players who are versatile and well-versed with the conditions," Lara told reporters during an event.
"I expect India to be firm favorites in the tournament (Twenty20 World Cup). I know home pressure is always there. I think the guys are very experienced and I believe they have got a very good chance to win the World Cup," he said.
Lara revealed that he has always enjoyed spending time in India and opened up on the friendships he shared with some of the most famous names in Indian cricket.
"Even during my cricket days, India is a place where I really loved coming to. I love the Indian people for the passion they carry through their life every single day. Some of my very special friends Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, M S Dhoni and Virat Kohli...these are wonderful examples of Indians with great passion.” he added.
Lara unsure of West Indies future
The batting maestro feels that his presence in the West Indies team management will not really make any difference although he would surely want to contribute to the team in the future.
"If I was to get involved mentoring or coaching the West Indies team I don't think there is going to be any big difference. I think the problem is very deep-rooted. Our infrastructure is pretty average and administratively we are doing poorly. I don't believe any one person can create any magic at the top level and make the team perform. I would love to make a difference, but I feel it has got to be from (the) ground up. Hopefully sometimes in the near future we will be able to do that," he said.
Lara blamed the administration for the current condition of cricket in his country. "I still believe that West Indies players are some of the most talented players in the world and especially the teenagers coming in. What we tend to do in West Indies is that we take very good talent and make it into mediocre talent. You need a good administrative board to work in harmony with you," he added.