Mumbai: Virat Kohli, on Friday, said that the advent of the IPL has taken away the home advantage from India who will be hosting the World T20 in March-April next year.
"So many players all around the world have played in the IPL for so many years now, so they are pretty familiar with the Indian conditions," said Kohli during a panel discussion after the launch of the ICC tournament and release of its schedule, here.
"We saw the players executing their skills in the shorter format when we played against South Africa. So, the foreign players know where to bowl and which shots to hit in Indian conditions," he said.
"It's not such a big home advantage anymore and especially with formats like T20 where the game is so quick. So, any team could be a favourite. Obviously, we would like to cross the finishing line this time.
"The last time I was personally very sad as we could not cross the line."
Kohli believes it's important not to overdo things in order to perform well in India. "In a country like India where conditions are known to everyone now, keeping things simple will be very important.
"So, any team can be dangerous if they don't try too much," the India Test captain said.
His teammate Ajinkya Rahane too iterated that every team should be considered dangerous in the T20 format, while opener Shikhar Dhawan felt the team that gains momentum at the right time will hold an advantage.
"Deep down we have a better chance and of course, we will do well. But as everyone said, every team is equally dangerous because all players have played in the IPL. So everyone knows the conditions. We have to respect every team," said Rahane.
Kohli recalled watching India's triumph under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy on television in the inaugural World T20 in 2007. "I, along with the entire nation, was watching the final (against Pakistan) and it was more special as that was before the advent of IPL.
"No one actually knew what the format is really like and the excitement of that particular event was massive. That was a major milestone as far as Indian cricket is concerned.
"It was virtually the launch of MS Dhoni - the captain - and the way he expressed his tactics on the field, the way he led a very young team at the world stage. Guys like Rohit (Sharma), Sreesanth - all of them were new to the team. The way he led them at a world stage, he made them believe that this could be done.
"From thereon, he became a big figure in terms of captaincy in world cricket. His captaincy was praised all over and he became a figure of reputation for Indian cricket all over," Kohli said.
Talking about AB de Villiers, Kohli praised the South Africa ODI captain for his versatility as a batsman, citing his knock in the final Test at the Kotla, which was a classic example of application in the longer format.
"I have grown to be a big admirer of AB and his ability over the past few years, and knowing him from a close distance.
"Generally, in international cricket, you tend to recognise players who are going through a great phase and this has happened with AB in the last three-four years," said Kohli.
"But what he has done in last three-four years is absolutely unbelievable and it's a classic case of someone realising his strengths and taking it to every format of the game, showcasing his versatility," added Kohli about his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate.
For the record, arch-rivals India and Pakistan are placed in the same group for next year's ICC World Twenty20, setting the stage for a high-voltage clash between the two sides on March 19 in Dharamsala.
India will open their campaign against New Zealand on March 15 in Nagpur before taking on Pakistan. (PTI)
