India will start as favourites: Ian Chappell ahead of the first Test between India and England

Team India is set to host England at home, starting from February 5th with the four-match Anthony de Mello Test series. India will play at home almost a year later, after an unprecedented scenario in the form of a COVID-19 pandemic which played spoilsport suspending all events that were subject to public attendance at large scale.  

India registered a historic Border Gavaskar Trophy triumph Down Under and clearly, many of the cricket experts including former English cricketer, Ian Chappell believe that the hosts are the favourites to bask their winning ways in Tests against England. 

In his column for ESPNCricinfo, Chappell talked about the strength within the Indian core and the fact that many of their top players are set to return, giving them an advantage over the visitors.

"India will start as favourites after an exhilarating victory over Australia, overcoming all obstacles. When you add the name Virat Kohli to the batting order, the team suddenly assumes a bulletproof cloak. In also adding the names R Ashwin, Hardik Pandya, and Ishant Sharma to the list of available players, India takes on an unbeatable appearance," wrote Chappell.

If there’s anyone in World Cricket who is like-for-like for Ben Stokes, then it surely must Hardik Pandya, claimed Chappell. 

"The availability of a premium player in Ben Stokes who, like (Hardik) Pandya, provides all-round ability and selection flexibility, albeit at a higher level than the Indian, is a big plus. And Jofra Archer adds substantially to the quality of an already strong pace attack," he explained further.

England’s top-order batsman, Rory Burns makes his return to the side after missing out on the Sri Lanka due to paternity leave.

"However it's the top of the England order, where another returning player, Rory Burns, will reside, that the scales tip in India's favour," he added.

India’s top-order comprising Gill, Rohit and Pujara looks much more balanced and stable than that of England remarked the 77-year-old.

"India's top three feature an impressive Shubman Gill, a talented but flawed Rohit Sharma, and the indomitable Cheteshwar Pujara, which places them well ahead of England's top order," Chappell wrote.
 

[ESPN Cricinfo input]