Former Sri Lankan batter Russell Arnold has tipped India as the favourites for the upcoming Asia Cup. India has a potent squad and the eight-time champions would look to go all the way in the continental tournament.
India has won 17 out of their last 20 T20Is since the 2024 World Cup. The Men in Blue have been ticking the right boxes in the shortest format of the game as the young players have grabbed their opportunities with both hands.
Arnold reckons India will become even stronger after Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav have been added to the squad.
Arnold said in an interview with Gulf News, “I think India are in a strong position. Over the last two years, I was just looking at a few numbers – 53 (59) games (after the 2022 T20 World Cup), and I think they’ve lost only 10. They’ve had lots of changes, and different players have been used in different stages. But the results have not been compromised, and there have been dominant performances. So I think they are the tournament favourites.”
Arnold also backed Pakistan to make it to the Super Fours stage of the tournament.
He added, “With Bumrah and Kuldeep in, they get stronger than they were against England and probably South Africa as well. So, Pakistan, I would say it would be the other team that goes through. I’ll be very, very surprised if they drop a game and don’t make the Super Fours.”
Speaking on Sri Lanka’s chances in the Asia Cup, the former left-hander said, “I think it’s going to be challenging and exciting as well because Sri Lanka are quietly finding players slotting into different positions and understanding their roles. It’s flowing down right throughout this team. The balance looks good. Hence, I think it’s a great stepping stone for them to see exactly where they are. If you get things right, I think they’ve got the goods to go all the way.”
India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10.
