In an interview with NDTV, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina spoke about India's chances in the T20 World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav being the X-factor, Shami being called as Bumrah's replacement, and many more.

The T20 World Cup continues in Australia and now the first round of four teams will qualify for the Super-12 tournament. All eyes are on October 23 when India take on Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Former Indian batsman Suresh Raina told news channel in an exclusive interview where he talks about India's chances in the World Cup and how he thinks if India can take over Pakistan, it will continue to lift the world cup. "Of course, if we win the opening match against Pakistan, we will win the World Cup," Raina told news channel.

Talking about India's chances of winning the tournament, Raina said: “This team is doing well now. Shami replaces Bumrah, this will give the team a bit of X factor. We have Arshdeep Singh, Suryakumar Yadav. Everyone is in good form, Virat Kohli is very handsome. Rohit Sharma is a good leader, if we win the first game, he will give us a good boost. Everyone in the city is praying for them, I really want them to win the World Cup."

Mohammed Shami was appointed as Jasprit Bumrah's replacement last week and the pacer proved his worth by taking three wickets in the final against Australia in a heated match on Monday. Saving 10 points in the last over, he conceded only four points and India won by six points. "I wouldn't call him a perfect replacement because you can't replace Jasprit Bumrah or Ravindra Jadeja. They have always played for India and given performances. But the best choice you have, you have chosen. Shami gave a good show, it was good. BCCI was very successful in sending the team to Australia 15 days before the tournament. The fields are big, and overall I think the preparation is good. We will play fearless cricket and show good intentions,” said Raina, who is currently India's brand ambassador for Booking.com.

When asked who he would pick between Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant, Raina said, “Dinesh Karthik has been in good form and has given excellent performances. But if Rishabh Pant is in the side, he gives you that X-factor because he is a left-handed batsman. We saw how Gautam Gambhir performed in the 2007 T20 World Cup. Yuvraj Singh has 6 sixes. Then in 2011 World Cup, both of them did a great job. So I think being a left-handed pitcher gives you that opportunity."

"Rishabh knows how to hit 6s from the first ball. If he gets a chance, he will do well."

Opener KL Rahul is often credited for his batting figures in T20s despite bowling at 140.40 in T20 Internationals. The right-handed batsman showed off his skills by scoring a quick fifty against Australia in Monday's warm-up game.

“KL Rahul is one of the best players because he can control the game. If he scores 40 points and 30 balls, I think he can cover it. Between Rohit and Rahul, you have to go bowling. Batting numbers are important in the closer format, so Suryakumar Yadav will be very important in the middle order. Suryakumar and Virat will play this time, the gaps are big so running between the wickets will be important. I think the team is strong and in the end goals will be very important,” said Raina.

Talking about Ravindra Jadeja not playing this World Cup, Raina said: "What I will always think about is his line. He can be a game changer on the pitch, he catches the game in flux and makes the game change. Hardik Pandya will score every run. Other teams have strong players, we have Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya as good players. But what about the others? On the big stage, you need to have a good throwing arm. The defenders make the game, Virat Kohli is a brilliant defender but Hardik Pandya, the kind of energy he brings to the team, will be very important. "