'They have a very well-balanced squad' - Kumar Sangakkara names India as favourites for T20 World Cup 2024

Rajasthan Royals' Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara has backed India to have a solid campaign in the impending T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Blue are set to begin their campaign in the mega event on June 5 against Ireland in New York.

The former Sri Lanka captain said that India have a well-balanced side, comprising quality players in all the departments. Sangakkara also reckoned that captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid will be able to play two or three different combinations, depending on whether they want more depth in their batting department or their bowling.

Also Read: 'All about favoritism' - K Srikkanth lashes out at selectors after Ruturaj Gaikwad's omission from World Cup squad

"It's an extremely strong squad. They've got their batting covered, they've got their all-rounders in. They've got very high-quality spin and they've got very good combinations that they can play," said Sangakkara on Wednesday, the eve of Rajasthan's match against Hyderabad.

"Knowing the conditions there, I'm sure Rahul (Dravid) and Rohit (Sharma) have a good idea of what the squad should be to play the cricket they want in the World Cup. And they'll be having two or three different combinations, depending on whether they want a deeper batting line-up or more strength in their bowling. But it's a really well-balanced squad, a very strong squad and India's always been very strong in international tournaments," he added.

Also Read: I am very disappointed that Rinku Singh is not included in the team: Irfan Pathan

Three players from Rajasthan Royals - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yuzvendra Chahal, and captain Sanju Samson have been selected in India's squad for the marquee event while another Royals player, Avesh Khan, has been named among the reserves.

Meanwhile, the former champions are currently positioned at the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 points table. Sangakkara lauded the players, who kept their focus in the franchise league before the World Cup squad announcement.

"We are very proud of the players who have made it. They've worked really hard. I can understand how their minds would have been until the final announcement was made. A lot of credit should be given to players because they've tried their best to shut out all of that and played a good IPL. That's worked for them," he said.