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Debasis Sen, Dubai: At the first sight one would keep guessing watching former Pakistan all rounder Mudassar Nazar. The 65-year-old has gained a lot of weight and has lost all his hairs. Mudassar, who is currently the Director of Academy at Emirates Cricket Board feels India will start as clear favourites to win the T20 World Cup 2021. Mudassar is busy these days grooming the next generation of cricketers in these parts. On Monday Xtra Time caught up with the former Pakistan cricketer at his office on the first floor of ICC Cricket Academy here in Dubai. Here are the excerpts:

India will start as favourites:

Obviously, India has a much better record against Pakistan in the World Cups. But let’s not forget that IPL has just taken place in UAE. So, all the Indian players will be used to with the conditions. On paper as well India is very strong. So, they should start as the strong contender for the game.

But if you look back at Champions Trophy Pakistan emerged victorious after losing the toss against India. On any given day Pakistan can win against any team in the world.

Conditions will suit Pakistan:

These are like home conditions for Pakistan. The pitches here will suit the Pakistan team specially their batting. The fact is even if you lose the match, you still have a chance to qualify. Let’s hope India Pakistan have a good spectacle on October 24 and later when they meet in the final.

Over dependance on Babar and Rizwan:

It has been the case because the middle order has not performed in recent times. Babar and Rizwan has been carrying the burden. You can get away with it in a series but when it comes to a big tournament like the World Cup the opposition is a lot stiffer.

Rohit will be the dangerman for Pakistan:

Well Rohit’s record in the recent past has been far better than Virat Kohli. One big advantage Rohit has is he opens the batting for India so he can face the maximum deliveries. If he gets going, he invariably gets you a big score. Let’s not forget Virat has not been in the same scintillating form less than two years ago. Every time Virat went out in the middle he used to score a fifty or a hundred. At one point of time, it looked like Virat will break all the records of Sachin. In the recent past the danger man has been Rohit. I am a big fan of Virat Kohli and who knows he can have a great show compared to the rest of the batters in the World Cup.

India’s pace attack:

Well, Jasprit Bumrah to me will be the key bowler for India specially with his yorkers and variations. They have got such a huge variety not just in T20 format but also in ODIs and tests. This is the reason they have done so well over the last 5-6 years.