Mahela Jayawardene points out reasons why India can be successful at the upcoming T20 World Cup

Former Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene has pointed out some key reasons why India can be confident going into the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia. The Sri Lankan great said Kohli can be an important factor and a concern for the opposition at the World Cup.

Former Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene has pointed out some key reasons why India can be confident going into the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia.

India announced their 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup, which features the return of pacer Jasprit Bumrah from injury. Jayawardene pointed out that Bumrah's return could be crucial for India's fortunes with the new ball in the World Cup.

"Obviously, not having Jasprit was also a factor. He fills a big gap for them with the new ball and at the back end. That will settle them as well when he is back in Australia," Jayawardene said.

The 45-year-old also touched upon Virat Kohli's return to form in the recently concluded Asia Cup, where he ended his 1,020-day drought without a century. Kohli scored his 71st international hundred against Afghanistan and finished as the second-highest scorer in the tournament with 276 runs and an impressive strike rate of 147.59.

"He was there and thereabouts pretty much. He just didn't have that big score under his belt to get that confidence, especially in white-ball cricket, which is always going to happen. There were a few injury concerns in the last 12 months. So not having that consistent run also makes it tough," said Jayawardene.

The Sri Lankan great showered praise on Kohli, saying he could be an important factor and a concern for the opposition at the World Cup.

"In the Asia Cup he batted well, showed what he is capable of, especially in that batting position. Going forward for India, having that stability in that line-up and having confidence that a guy like Virat is going to be a factor, is going to be a concern for the opposition as well. It's good to see him batting like that. We need all these brilliant players to be at their best form in a World Cup, and that's what the World Cup deserves as well," Jayawardene added.