New Delhi, May 26: Only five runs separated India and Pakistan in the inaugural World Cup Twenty20 two years ago, yet experts feel there exists a gulf of difference between the two sides going into this year's edition in England next month.

Former Test player Sanjay Manjrekar reckons Mahendra Singh Dhoni leads a formidable line-up that will be very hard for other teams to overcome. "India certainly look the strongest team on paper, but that does not mean they will win the title again," Manjrekar said on the sidelines of the launch of Twenty20 World Cup trophy.

"Soon after the 1983 World Cup, West Indies toured India and hammered us. Unlike them, Dhoni's team is strong enough to defend their title."

While the defending champions have continued to improve in all aspects ever since their truimph in 2007, Pakistan, in contrast, have fallen behind the eight ball, due to lack of cricket and controversies their players continue to find themselves in.

Shoaib Akhtar looked to have made a promising comeback against Australia in a recently-concluded one-day series, but was ruled out from the Pakistan's World Cup-bound side due to a health problem.

Pace great Wasim Akram, however noted that the neighbouring nation's side were "hungry for success" and, even with limited resources, eager to prove themselves.

"We have been out of action for quite a while and I think the Pakistan team have had enough rest. They are itching to prove their worth and they did well against Australia in the recent one-day series in UAE.

"In this format, Pakistan has the perfect player in Shahid Afridi, who is bowling well and it would be great if he regains his batting form as well.

"Then you have Shoaib Malik who can both bat and bowl and Saeed Ajmal has also been cleared (of suspect action charges), which makes Pakistan a very balanced side," Akram said.

The former Pakistan captain, however concurred with Manjrekar, saying that India were the title favourites. "Some teams thrive in pressure, like once Australia did. And I think India too can emulate them," Akram said.

Manjrekar added: "I would say this time we actually have a stronger team with enough experience in the ranks. The way players like Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma have come up, it makes India a worthy defender of the title."