We are always top contender in shorter format: MS Dhoni on India's chances in ICC World T20

New Delhi: Beaming with confidence after winning two back-to-back T20I series against Australia and Sri Lanka, India's limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni labeled India as favourites to win the upcoming ICC World T20 2016, scheduled to take place on home soil from March 8 to April 3.

After beating neighbors Sri Lanka 2-1 in the three-match T20I series on Sunday, Dhoni said his side would be one of the top contenders at the ICC's showpiece event.

“We are always a top contender when it comes to the shorter format. Also the World Cup being held in India, the spinners will come into action and that gives us added benefit and also the exposure of playing IPL over here. Out of eight seasons we have played seven here and all of that will count,” Dhoni was quoted as saying by the PTI.

Indian batting line up is deep and Dhoni made it clear that lower-middle order has to play big shots from the word go.

“We will have to try and give bating to players, who have not batted so far but people who are batting close to 6, 7 or 8, they will have to play big shots because that is going to be certainly be very important for us,” added the skipper.

Few day back, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen and Shane Watson also rated India among the top contenders to lift the World T20 trophy.

Now MS Dhoni & Co, who are at the top of the T20I rankings, will participate in Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from February 24 to March 6, before the all important World T20.