KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said India will need to reconsider its playing XI if it is to pose a threat against top teams later in the World Twenty20.

Akram said India's loss to Pakistan in their warm-up game, where the latter chased 186 for victory had left captain MS Dhoni with a lot of questions that needed to addressed before the group stage ends.

Death bowling was a concern for Dhoni's team then and proved dicey even against the Afghanistan on Wednesday.

"The match against Pakistan will force Dhoni to mull over his first XI. While it's always a horses-for-courses policy, deciding the playing XI will always be a tough call. For a Twenty20 game, India have several 'all-rounders' and that will enable Dhoni pick four specialist bowlers and seven batsmen. The fact that Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh and Kohli are decent bowlers is a great bonus for Team India," Akram said.

SUBCONTINENT RIVALS REMAIN FAVOURITES

India's depth in batting and Pakistan's varied bowling make them strong contenders to lift the T20 trophy for a second time each, Akram says.

"It's too hazardous to pick favourites in a T20 competition. The complexion of matches can change like a chameleon. While India remain strong contenders because of their batting depth, Pakistan's bowling strength makes them equally strong."

"After India and Pakistan, in my reckoning, two from among England, the West Indies and South Africa will complete the last four," he added.