NEW DELHI: Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has labeled India as a 'strong favourite' to win the ICC Champions Trophy, which kicks off on Wednesday in Karachi.
India, the 2017 finalists, will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on Thursday in Dubai. With a spin-heavy attack, the team aims to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2013.
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"India is a strong favourite, and I think they will do well," Vengsarkar said while speaking to reporters in Varanasi.
The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash on Sunday remains the highlight of the tournament. While Vengsarkar expects a competitive game, he hopes India emerges victorious.
"I can't predict it, but I think it will be a good match. I hope India wins," he added.
As the defending champions, Pakistan is hosting the event, but India opted to play its matches in Dubai due to political tensions. A hybrid model was agreed upon after months of discussion, allowing India to participate without traveling to Pakistan.
Addressing the issue, Vengsarkar said, "This depends on the government. If the government says to play, the team will play, and if they refuse, the team won't play."
With India set to begin its campaign, all eyes will be on their performance in the high-stakes tournament.
