Varanasi, Feb. 18 -- Former captain Dilip Vengsarkar has picked India, last edition's finalists, as a "strong favourite" for the Champions Trophy, which will begin on Wednesday in Karachi.

After falling short against arch-rival Pakistan in 2017, India will once again begin its pursuit of the ICC Champions Trophy on Thursday against Bangladesh in Dubai.

With a spin-laden attack, India will look to turn the tides in Dubai and lift the trophy for the first time since 2013. India has been a firm favourite for many former cricketers and fans. Vengsarkar, too, believes India is a strong contender to challenge for the coveted trophy.

"India is a strong favourite, and I think they will do well," Vengsarkar told reporters in Varanasi.

While pl...