It’s the billion-dollar question running on every cricket loving Indian’s mind these days and is one question that is quite impossible to answer at this stage. Yes, we are a strong one-day team with an impressive batting line-up, a good bowling squad and undoubtedly we have a capable captain, yet will we be the World Champions?
And here’s an interesting story in the Indian Express saying, “Why Team India Needs to Win the World Cup” and Arjuna Ranatunga says “India Should Win the World Cup”.
With less than a week for the action to begin, the tension is getting to build up. Cricket seems to be the ruling topic of all discussions, be it at the office pantry or among the group of girls walking down the corridor.
The vegetable pushcart vendor down our street opines candidly – “India will win only if they stop their dependency on Sachin and don’t fall like a pack of cards when he gets out.”
“What India lacks is killer instinct!” rallied my neighborhood aunty in her high-pitched voice. “Absolutely no fighting spirit” she sadly shook her head.
Everybody worth his or her salt seems to have an opinion on this. So what do you think? Will India bring home the cup?
Cross Posted here
March 7, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Everytime I switch on the TV, its world cup world cup world cup! I guess they are reflecting the love that our nation has for cricket and I guess I seem to be in a minority because cricket doesn’t really interest me much. However perforce I have to watch as my husband and daughter are avid cricket fans. From what I have gleaned from the news is that certain political choices have been made during selection. So I wonder if this is the best team that we are sending out?
March 7, 2007 at 3:32 pm
One thing is for sure, if indian team fails – cricketers will
need lot of protection. Ultimately its just a game… good and
lucky team will win. But the indians will open up the match
with a disadvantage of axe over their livez;) All the best India.
March 7, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Well said Arun, winning the cup is too high a expectation from the Indian team. The team lags consistency from every aspect… Big names won’t always fetch wins, playing will. Otherwise we would have had atleast 3-4 WCups in our kitty. As per me, we
don’t even stand half a chance to win WC with a team thats
proved inconsistent all through the year.
March 17, 2007 at 10:41 pm
India will never win the world cup.
March 20, 2007 at 10:27 am
Hi ya, India has better chance to win. But they need to struggle hard to win the game.
March 20, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Indian team will not win the world cup but will reach the finals. This has been one of the predictions by an astrologer in a local daily.
March 20, 2007 at 2:08 pm
The Bermuda-India match was a treat to watch. I just wish the team is able to display something similar against SriLanka too.
March 20, 2007 at 9:45 pm
India have everything and more
The team of 2007 is very steady.
Factors helping India –
The best indian team going for the World Cup after the 1983 Presidential Cup. India has found good openers in Ganguly and Uthappa, with Sehwag in there too. Yuvraj, Dravid, Dhoni and Tendulkar steady the middle order to form one of the best middle order batting. Lower middle order of Kumble, Harbhajan, Zaheer can hit a few runs too.
As on bowling – Zaheer and Sreesanth/Munaf Patel will be opening and are not as bad. Kumble, Harbhajan and Sachin – Sehwag can bowl many spin overs between them. That leaves one guy extra. He can be employed as a strike bowler – Irfan/Sreesanth or Dinesh Kaarthick as the 11th guy. Irfan can bat as well.
It is a very powerful batting line-up, and make take a beating on their bowling lineup.
Quality Fielders are in plenty – Yuvraj, Uthappa, Sachin, Kaarthick. Fielders like Munaf Patel will have to be hided on the field.
There are all winning chances for India. India will reach the semi-finals for sure.
India have enjoyed a great run in previous world cups as well.
In 1979 we were almost through to semis. In 1983 we won the cup. In 1987 we were in the semis. In 1996 we were in semis (because of indian crowd, match given to Sri Lankans). In 1999 we beat Pakistan (who earlier beat Australia). Then in 2003 we reached the finals.
Somethings which India need to work on to improve for the World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean -
Every Indian Player Has To Think About The Country Not Individual.
Play As A Team
Making of Master Game plan before every match
Play Mind games With Every Team
Good Net Practice Before Every Match
Relaxation Techniques
Good Fielding
Players Should Be Absolutely Fit Before Every Match
Source(s):
The conclusion is that it may or may not win, but will definitely be among top 4 teams.
March 24, 2007 at 8:28 am
No, they are gone. They lost to Sri lanka. Theya re an awsome team, but they didnt perform.
March 25, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Thank god, india is out of the tournament or i should say it will be once bangladesh beats bermuda or even a tie due to rain. Moreover, i will be desperate to see sachin, dravid and bunch of other fools in thier next advertisement. I was wondering now that the trio of sachin, sourav and Rahul are coming off age for cricket why not see them in action in indian movies. OH it will be a treat to watch them in action beating the hell out of baddies like gulshan grover or prem chopra. What say INDIANS?
September 25, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dont worry guys!!!
We won 20-20 world cup.