India are facing enormous expectation to win the World Twenty20 in what is the first time the tournament has ever been staged in the home of cricket's shortest format.
India is home to the Indian Premier League, Twenty20's richest domestic league and some of the most damaging batsmen in the format such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
India has won 10 of its last 11 T20 internationals, including the Asia Cup final on Sunday, and a 3-0 series victory in Australia and starts the tournament as a favourite.
Although captain MS Dhoni said recently that India can "take on any team anywhere in the world" he also understands the tricky nature of the shortened game.
"The difference between teams can often be just one knock, one individual batsman having a very good day or one bowler having a very good day," said Dhoni, who led India to a five-run victory over Pakistan in the final of the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa in 2007.
India is aiming to become the first host to win the World Twenty20.
The batsmen-friendly pitches are expected to make the 16-team tournament a run-feast much like the IPL, which has given experience of the conditions to star players from all over the cricket world.
The tournament gets underway on Tuesday with a preliminary league involving eight teams, two of which qualify for the Super 10 stage which will feature intense derbies between Australia and New Zealand and India and Pakistan.
The final is set for Kolkata on April 3.
Australia has won the World Cup in the one-day format more than any other country, but so far the T20 title has been elusive.
Its best run has resulted in a loss to England in the final in 2010.
From the initial phase, one team from among Bangladesh, Ireland, Oman and the Netherlands will advance to Group 2, which comprises Australia, India, New Zealand and Pakistan.
Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Scotland and Zimbabwe will compete for a place in Group 1 featuring England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
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