'India Favourites To Win The Cricket World Cup Irrespective Of Outcome Against New Zealand': Ross Taylor

Ahead of the clash between India and New Zealand, former New Zealand batter Ross Taylor lauded New Zealand and its stand-in skipper Tom Latham for their performances, but also warned that Men in Blue in their home conditions is a "different beast" and will remain favourites to win the tournament irrespective of the result of the match. India will lock horns against New Zealand at Dharamshala on Sunday. Both teams are undefeated in the tournament, having won four matches each and having eight points. New Zealand is at the top due to a better net run rate.

"I arrived in India on Friday and it is fantastic to be here in time for what is set to be a great match between the two remaining unbeaten teams," said Ross in his exclusive column as quoted by ICC.

"Of course, the fact New Zealand are one of them is particularly pleasing and I have been really impressed with how they have gone about it so far. They have played fantastically well. The first game would have come as a bit of a surprise to some - not necessarily beating England, but the manner in which they did so," he added.

Ross said that other than some overs of being put under pressure against Afghanistan, Kiwis have played some "very consistent and dominant cricket".

"Everyone has stood up at different stages. A lot has been made of the injuries to Tim Southee and Kane Williamson but the people who have come in have stepped up, particularly Will Young and Rachin Ravindra," he said.

Ross lauded Rachin for his performances, saying that he has taken his chance and looks all set to become a key part of the Kiwi side for years to come.

"If you had said two or three weeks before the tournament that Rachin would have been in the starting line-up, I do not think anyone would