India World Cup R Ashwin
The Indian team have looked very convincing in the group stages of the World CupReuters

Considering India's performance in the 2015 World Cup group stages where the men in blue did not lose a single game, it would be fair for Dhoni's men to be deemed favourites to win the title.

Not many would have predicted India to be in such a position after the end of the group stages, where they have topped the group and would face the fourth team in the other group, which happens to be Bangladesh.

India play Bangladesh on 19 March at Melbourne Cricket Ground and the men in blue cannot afford to take their opponents lightly, who have got into the knock-out stage at England's expense. So, Bangladesh deserved the quarter finals spot.

Former Indian coach, Anshuman Gaekwad, feels pressure would be on India rather than Bangladesh.

"You cannot go easy against anyone, even Bangladesh. They do not have anything to lose. The pressure is going to be on India," Gaekwad told IBTimes India.

Gaekwad believes India can win the title if the team play according to their standards.

"If India play to their potential, they can lift the World Cup. They are doing well in all departments of the game," he added.

But, in order to win the World Cup, the Indian team will face a tough opponent in the semis as the winner of the Pakistan-Australia clash meet Dhoni's men, provided India beat Bangladesh.

Talking about the Australia-Pakistan game, the former coach feels, either it is going to be a very close game or the men in green will lose very badly.

It would not come to us as a surprise if the Indian cricket fans root for Pakistan during the clash as it would mean another India vs Pakistan clash in the World Cup and also means avoiding Australia, against whom, India have a poor record, especially of late.

Echoing on the same lines, Gaekwad believes Pakistan will be an easier opponent for India. "Playing Australia in their homeland is a very different proposition. Pakistan will always be under huge pressure when they face India in a World Cup."

India's unbeaten World Cup record against Pakistan also shifts the balance towards the men in blue as well.