India's chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes the IPL was useful preparation for the ICC World Twenty20.

National team coach Gary Kirsten last week said mental fatigue could hamper India's chances of defending the title they won in South Africa in 2007, but former opener Srikkanth is confident the IPL will not hinder India's chances.

"In today's world, every nation is playing non-stop cricket," he said.

"It is tough on the players, but it's something that can't be helped. You have to get used to it and carry on in a professional way.

"I agree that IPL was hectic for the cricketers, but it also gave them a lot of match practice and exposure.

"Keeping in mind the World Cup, the event was really useful.

Great intensity

"There were so many close games, the kind which toughens up players. I'm very happy with the intensity the players have shown."

Srikkanth believes captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has a very balanced team at his disposal and feels the conditions in England will suit India's swing bowlers.

"There are clearly no favourites in the tournament, but our top order can tear apart any attack," he continued. "Starting from the openers to the middle-order batsmen, all of them are capable of turning it around.

"During the IPL we saw part-timers like Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma winning matches with the ball, which means Dhoni will have a lot of options on the field.

"Moreover, the conditions in England will suit our medium-pacers well as they can move the ball.

"Undoubtedly, the World Cup will be a closely-fought event and in that way, every team is a favourite, but India have the edge.

"T20 is not just slam-bang cricket. You must have an intelligent approach to the game.

"Making the right moves at the right time is crucial."