The dust has barely settled on Sri Lanka’s maiden World T20 title, and already they have been installed as joint favourites to defend the trophy in 2 years times.
Sri Lanka pulled off a magnificent victory over a strangely subdued looking India yesterday, in a tense, but ultimately fairly comfortable victory.
I don’t think for a minute India were subdued, as it was a final after all, it was purely down to the way that Sri Lanka kept the pressure on the Indian batting, with only Virat Kohli (man of the Tournament) making any significant contribution.
130 never looked enough for India, and with Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara playing in their last ever T20, it wasn’t enough. I was pleased for both the two Sri Lankan greats, they are two world class batsmen, and are also testament to the fact that you don’t have to be a big hitting rope clearer to be successful at this format of the game.
Moving on to the next tournament, and with it being held in India in 2016, it is no surprise to see India installed as 4/1 favourites with William Hill (£25.00 Free Bet) to win what could be their second World T20. Alongside India in the betting though, is Sri Lanka, who are also 4/1.
With the tournament being held in Asian conditions, it’s no surprise to see these two as favourites. Sri Lanka’s current favouritism is probably down to a slight over reaction to their victory yesterday, and I think over time India will become the outright favourites.
India are a developing side with room for improvement, Virat Kohli is getting better and Duncan Fletcher will have a long term plan. While Sri Lanka have the impossible task of replacing Jayawardene and Sangakkara.
In short, if you fancy Sri Lanka to retain their trophy, I would wait as I can only see their odds drifting. There’s no reason why they won’t be competitive in 2016, and with it being played in Asian conditions they will already have an advantage over England, Australia, South Africa, etc.