Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan thinks the T20 World Cup is 'India's to lose'

Former England captain Michael Vaughan thinks the T20 World Cup is India's "to lose". The 41-year-old pundit thinks their experience of winning the 50-over World Cup in 2011 and their Indian Premier League (IPL) knowledge stands the host team in good stead.

Vaughan said India have a healthy blend of youth and experience, admitting there is not a weak link in their line-up. "This World Twenty20 tournament is India's to lose. In 2011 they proved they can handle the massive expectation from their own fans by winning the 50-over World Cup on home soil," he wrote in The Telegraph.

"Now they have four more years of experience in the IPL. Young players are used to playing in front of massive crowds and big television audiences. They know how to deliver under pressure."

Vaughan also praised the West Indies side but admitted the absence of spinner Sunil Narine – who has had issues with his action – could prove crucial. "Beyond India I think West Indies are very strong, too," he said. "The conditions suit them, they have a deep batting line-up, lots of power and clever seam bowlers. If they had Sunil Narine I would put them right up there but his loss is a big blow.

"I like Australia under Steve Smith. They have great togetherness and power in the batting. I'm looking forward to seeing the leg-spinner Adam Zampa bowl. He has done well in the Big Bash but now has to deliver in conditions where he will be expected to do well. That is something new for him.

"The same for Adil Rashid for England. He too had a good Big Bash. But now we expect that from him all the time in India. Can he handle it? I hope so."