Virat Kohli believes IPL has taken away home advantage in T20s

Kohli speaks about the impact of IPL on India's chances in World T20 next March

India’s leading run-scorer in T20Is believes that the introduction of the Indian Premier League has taken home advantage away from India, who host the ICC World T20 in March 2016. Speaking after the World T20 fixtures was announced, Kohli said the IPL has increased exposure for all international players.

"So many players all around the world have played in the IPL for 8-9 years now, so they are pretty familiar with the Indian conditions," said Kohli. "We saw the players executing their skills in shorter format that we played against South Africa just now, so they (foreign players) know where to bowl and which shots to hit in Indian conditions.”

When asked about the favourites for the tournament, he said: "It's not such a big home advantage anymore and especially with formats like T20 where the cricket is so quick. So any team could be a favourite.

“Obviously we (India) would like to cross the finishing line this time. The last time I was personally very sad... as we could not cross the line (2014 World T20 India lost to Sri Lanka in the final)."

The 27-year-old also added that it was important to keep it simple. "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," he said.

India, who won the inaugural tournament in 2007, begin their campaign against New Zealand in Nagpur on March 15, before facing arch-rivals Pakistan in Dharamsala on March 19.

Ajinkya Rahane echoed Kohli's sentiments and added that every side is equally dangerous, while teammate Shikhar Dhawan believes momentum is key.

"Deep down inside 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. So we respect each and every opposition," said Rahane.

"The team which is going to get the momentum at the right time, that's going to be a dangerous team. In T20 specially, momentum is very big thing," said Dhawan.

Rahane also believes that Pakistan aren't at a disadvantage due to their players' lack of participation in the IPL, as he said the conditions in both countries are similar.