Rating India as favourites for the coming Twenty20 World Cup, dashing bat Virender Sehwag on Wednesday said the absence of veteran campaigners would not dent the team’s prospects in the much-awaited tournament.

“I don’t think our prospects will suffer because of their absence. It’s a very good side. There are several youngsters, and we will do well ... India, I think, are the favourites,” Sehwag told newspersons here after opening a new outlet of an international apparel and sports good manufacturer.

Sehwag, who has been included in the Indian twenty20 World Cup side after being kept out of the national squad for months, said the tourney would not lose any of its lustre due to the absence of some of the stars, including potentially Ricky Ponting.

“It’s the team that matters, not individuals,” he said. Sidestepping a query on whether the cramped international fixture could provide ample room for regular holding of Twenty20 tourneys, Sehwag said, “It all depends on the ICC. They are hosting the World Cup. Twenty20 is going to be a big crowd-puller. Everybody is looking forward to the Twenty20 World Cup.”

Sehwag did not agree with South African skipper Graeme Smith’s comment that unorthodox and imaginative players would do well in the Twenty20 version.

“It is his opinion. I don’t think so. Everybody can play Twenty20. When players take part in Tests and one-day internationals, they are under a lot of pressure. But in Twenty20, players can play a lot of shots. It’s good entertainment.”