If India Win Against Pakistan, They Will Win T20 World Cup: Suresh Raina To NDTV

In an interview with NDTV, former India batter Suresh Raina spoke about India's chances at the T20 World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav being the X-factor, Shami being named as a replacement for Bumrah, and much more.

The T20 World Cup is underway in Australia and currently, initial group stage is being played from which four sides will qualify for the Super-12 stage. All eyes are on October 23 when India will take on Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Former India batter Suresh Raina spoke to NDTV in an exclusive interview where he talked about India's chances at the World Cup and how he thinks if India are able to get the better of Pakistan, then they will go on to lift the World Cup.

"Definitely, if we win the opening game against Pakistan, we will win the World Cup," Raina told NDTV.

Talking about what are the chances of India winning the tournament, Raina said: "The team is doing well right now. Shami has replaced Bumrah, it will give the side a bit of X-factor. We have Arshdeep Singh, Suryakumar Yadav. Everyone is in good form, Virat Kohli is looking really good. Rohit Sharma is a very good leader, if we win the first match, it will set a good tone for us. Everyone in the country is praying for them and I really want them to win the World Cup."

Mohammed Shami was named as Jasprit Bumrah's replacement last week and the ace pacer showed what he is made of as he went on to take three wickets in the final over against Australia in a warm-up match on Monday. Defending 10 runs in the final over, he gave away just four runs and India registered a win by six runs.

"I would not call him a perfect replacement because you cannot replace Jasprit Bumrah or Ravindra Jadeja. They have played consistently for India and they have given performances. But the best option you had, you have selected him. Shami has given good performances, he has been in good form. BCCI have done really well in sending the team to Australia 15 days prior to the tournament. The grounds are big, overall I think the preparation has been nice. We will need to play fearless cricket and show good intent," said Raina, who is now the India brand ambassador for Booking.com.