Dhoni: We are a top contender in short formats
India captain MS Dhoni recognises that his team will be one of the favourites to win the World T20 on home soil next month, but knows they will have to be at their best in the knockout stages.
The Asian side beat their neighbours Sri Lanka comprehensively in the last two matches of the recent three-match series to win the series two-one.
In Ravi Ashwin India have arguably the best spinner in the world in limited-overs cricket, especially in home conditions.
Dhoni said on Sunday: "We are always a top contender when it comes to shorter formats. Also with the World Cup to be held in India we know the spinners will come into action. It gives us the added benefit.
"Also the exposure of having played the IPL over here. Out of the eight seasons we have played seven seasons in India.
"We have got a lot of players, especially ones who are the part of the team, who have got very good experience of playing in India.
"All of that will definitely count, but what the shortest format really does is, it narrows down the difference between the two teams. What you have to do is keep the [opposition's] big hitters out of the game.
"Also the knockout games, you have to be at your best. Once the knockout stage starts it is more like lottery cricket. To be consistent is something that is very important."
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