Warne backs 'good captain' Dhoni led India to win T20 World Cup

Sydney, Apr 29(ANI): The Indian Premier League (IPL) is often blamed for young cricketers losing their focus, but Australian legend Shane Warne believes that it could help Team India win the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.

Warne also considers the Michael Clarke-led Australia to be a strong contender for the tournament.

When asked which team would be his favourite for the event, Warne said: "India because their players play so much in the IPL. And Pakistan because the format suits them, but Australia is playing more of it and understanding the game a lot better."

He reckons that opening batsman Virender Sehwag's absence due to a shoulder injury can be a massive loss to India, but said Mahendra Singh Dhoni "is a very good captain", who can overcome all the odds to lead his team to success.

The 40-year-old further views Dhoni, as one of the best Twenty20 cricketers playing in the tournament, along with Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, England batsman Kevin Pietersen, Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga and West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard.

Dhoni's team had won the inaugural edition of the Twenty20 World Cup in 2007 after defeating Pakistan by five runs at Johannesburg. (ANI)