Andrew Flintoff has tipped India as favourites to win the ICC World Twenty20 next month in his country.

He said the Indian Premier League experience will come in handy for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s boys in their title defence.

Flintoff, who is recovering from a knee surgery and would miss the event, said that Australia, South Africa and England would pose a strong challenge to India.

“Indian players just played in a world-class competition in IPL and naturally they are the favourites (to win the T20 World Cup). Australia, South Africa and England would be strong challengers. England can spring a few surprises,” he said.

Flintoff defended his decision to play in the IPL in South Africa from where he sustained a cartilage tear on his right knee which put him in doubt for the World Twenty20.

“My injury was not from just one event or tournament, it was over a period of time and I think ECB should not be blamed for allowing me play in the IPL,” he said when asked about the controversy in British media as to why the England board allowed Flintoff to play in the IPL.

Flintoff underwent a keyhole surgery early this month after playing three IPL matches for Chennai Super Kings and that ruled him out of the two Tests and ongoing ODI series against the West Indies at home. The 31-year-old hinted he would be concentrating to be fit for the Ashes against Australia starting on July 8.