No home advantage at 2016 ICC World T20 given international participation in IPL: Kohli

 

Four years ago, MS Dhoni hit that magical six - which will be further etched in minds of each and every Indian - to lift the coveted World Cup in front of the home crowd. Five years later, a world championship will be hosted on the Indian soil again as India will host the World T20, starting March 2016, for the first time.
With the tournament taking place in India, many feel that the hosts will go in as favourites and try to repeat the heroics of 2011 World Cup in front of the home crowd but India Test captain Virat Kohli feels that India won't have such a big home advantage any more.
"So many players from around the world have played the IPL for 8-9 years now so they are familiar with the Indian conditions," Kohli said at the launch of 2016 ICC World T20.
When India last hosted an ICC event in 2011, they started the tournament as clear favourites. And they delivered too. But the IPL was three years old back then - with the second edition taking place in South Africa. With eight seasons complete, and with more and more cricketers from around the world making a name for themselves in India, conditions are not fully in India's favour anymore.
 conditions. It's not such a big home advantage anymore, especially in a format like T20 where the cricket is so quick. Any team could be favourites," Kohli added.
Ajinkya Rahane was a bit more positive about doing well in their own backyard but he did concede that the IPL factor will play an important role.
"Deep down inside, we have a better chance. I am sure we will do well. Every team is equally dangerous because almost all the players are playing the IPL," Rahane said at the launch of 2016 World T20.