Jos Buttler identifies India as England's main T20 World Cup rivals

KIT SHEPARD: The vice-captain is fearful of Virat Kohli's side ahead of the showcase tournament in the United Arab Emirates

Jos Buttler believes India are England’s main competition for the men's T20 World Cup.

The bookmakers widely consider Virat Kohli’s men as the favourites for the title and the wicketkeeper-batter agrees that the road to title goes through the South Asian powerhouse.

“I’d say the main rivals for the T20 World Cup are probably India,” Buttler, a Booking.com ambassador, said. 

“India are always an incredibly strong team. They’ve got some fantastic batsmen like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and some real wicket-takers, like Jasprit Bumrah.

“I’d see them as the main threat.”

England’s vice-captain has shared the field with most of India’s squad from previous T20Is and his six seasons playing in the Indian Premier League.

It is this familiarity that Buttler, 31, will surely relish if the two nations face-off, especially after an intense – and sometimes ill-tempered – Test series between the pair this summer.

^{England and India could renew hostilities after a frenetic Test series this summer}

“Rivalries bring out the best in people because it suddenly takes on a bit more of a personal meaning or something personal between the two teams," he added. 

“I feel that that focuses you a lot more and adds that extra level of determination and gives you a bit more energy when you need it in the tough moments.”

Placed in separate groups, England and India cannot meet until the semi-finals at the earliest, but Buttler is excited to see England’s oldest cricketing foe drawn with them.

"I’m really looking forward to playing against Australia,” Buttler said of the group game scheduled for October 30 in Dubai.

"Everyone knows the history between England and Australia, it’s a game that you’re really looking out for and one you want to be a part of."