Seamer Munaf Patel said today that India remains a hot favourite to win the forthcoming edition of the ODI World Cup as the wickets, weather and public support would be with India mostly.

In an interview to the PTI, Patel said that all 49 matches would be played in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and everything would favour India including weather, crowds and wickets because of this.

“These supportive conditions may help India win the Cup and hence I say India remains a hot favourite to win the tourney,” he told PTI adding he was hopeful of India breaking the 28 year old draught for the country.  

India last won the ODI World Cup in 1983 under the captaincy of dare devil Kapil Dev and in the later versions of the tournament, victory eluded the India.

Patel said that Indian players are very much aware of the conditions of the pitches in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka along with those of the ones in country and this would effectively help Indians what to expect and what to not expect from the pitches.

The most sought after cricket extravaganza will start from February 19 with a grand gala opening.