SLEEP DEPRAVATION, ANGST, nervousness, nail-biting, lip clenching, bickering, emotional roller coaster, dejection, despondency, joy, bliss and hope are some of the elements labored by World Cup. With only seven days left the carpet has all but been laid out for the World Cup induced frailties. Uncertain of the fact that the World Cup provides the path to true happiness but it sure does make huge inroads into the psyche of millions of fans across the globe. Some experiences will undoubtedly meander towards despair whilst some will prod onto utter joy. Whatever the end results, there is no denying that this World Cup is sure to provide a wholesome entertainment in what promises to be one of the most open contests. All major cricketing sides pose a threat to thwart the Aussie World Cup hat trick.

 

Winning the World Cup is a dream come true for those fortunate enough to do the victory lap in the finals. For less fortunate like Lara, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, it could well be just a dream. Though given the vagaries of the cricketing script, one can be excused to harbour thoughts of dreams coming true. It never harmed anyone to dream. The next time you spot a dreamer; do volunteer to ask if it did them any harm. In the interim, a semblance of common sense ought to prevail as we get back on track.

 

Winning a game in cricket is an absolute doodle and so is what we are led to believe. Score runs, take wickets and field well. Not too difficult. May be it is? Well, that’s the plan anyways. Executing while you are in field is an entirely different ball game. Some do it to perfection; others do it fairly well and some marginalized just make a meal of it. Sometime back teams did not have the luxury of specialist coaches, technical analysts, video experts, physiotherapists, motivators, or even bowling machines. Merlyn, the bowling machine, which its makers tried to make us believe that it is the next best thing to Warney, never even made a passing reference. Only a few years ago, the English quite appropriately pooled brains together to churn out such a versatile machine, given their sheer gutless performances against quality spin. It doesn’t quite explain the 5-0 drubbing they received in the Ashes.

 

With such an entourage that has become a part of this grandiose spectacle called world cricket, we are quite within our rights to expect the churning out of quality cricket on a consistent basis. It’s quite possible that the teams would oblige generously if the ICC didn’t clutter their cricketing schedules with meaningless encounters to boost the coffers of those involved. Notwithstanding the relentless pursuit of monetary hoarding, here we are on the brink of quadrennial event that is on the verge of engulfing our attention and senses for weeks on the trot.

 

Being uncouth isn’t a fashionable exercise. In fact it is a good reason to indulge in a bit of it as we accuse the Indian fan as someone who is besotted with individual brilliance as opposed to the collective glory of the team. It could be taken either ways depending upon your wishes. Tendulkar may be the highest run-getter on the World’s biggest stage. Ganguly may have four hundreds attributed to his name on the big stage and might take India to the final under his leadership. Sehwag may have clobbered a quality Aussie bowling attack in the finals of the World Cup in 2003. Srinath may be the highest overall Indian wicket-taker at World Cups. Zaheer Khan may have been impressive with his tally of wickets. Dravid may have topped the Indian batting averages at the last iteration of the World Cup. Yet, what good is it if such streaks of brilliance cannot work together to bring home the silver? Some might argue that to gel as a unit requires the fortitude and attitude of champions. It’s not a prerequisite but to be in control of one’s own destiny is paramount for success.

 

In this World Cup particularly, India has as much a chance of being world champions as the rest of the countries with the notable exception of England and Bangladesh. The latter two are excluded for reasons that do not form the remit of this piece, and I am sure, much to the derision and consternation of their respective fans. The Aussies, based on their sheer record and ability to garner strength as a unit, start as the favourites, though there is a real possibility that teams like New Zealand, Sri Lanka, India, and South Africa could stake a potential claim to the title. With due respect to the hosts, West Indies will be the outsiders. Pakistan on the other hand, depleted already with the mysterious absence of two frontline bowlers, will nevertheless want to upset the applecart and bid a much-deserved winning farewell to Inzy.

 

Putting modern plethora of sidekicks aside, nothing can substitute or teach a player the nuances of the pride and hunger of plying their trade for the glory of the country. With regards for India team, when optimism can be shred to pieces in a matter of matches and pessimism can seep in effortlessly, lies a unity capable of being world beaters and yet consistently flatters to deceive when the magnitude of the big stage situations overwhelm the underlying promise. Being attuned of having expectations dash against the shores of frustration is almost habitual for many. Yet, it does not preclude the hope one has to witness Indian success after the euphoria surrounding 1983 World Cup. India needs a sporting kick. Never mind the Tendulkars, the Gangulys, the Dravids, the Sehwags, the Kumbles, the Dhonis and the rest of the unit. It’s time for Team India to come to the forefront rather than the names of individuals apportioning media space and print. It’s high time the expectations of the huge multitude are met by the winning performances of Team India.

 

For the sake of all Indians, let’s hope 2007 marks a momentous year in its sporting history. As we wholeheartedly wish the Indian team all the success it deserves, let’s hope that Team India embraces the hopes and aspirations of millions of its fans and delivers to its true potential. Capable as they certainly are but so are seven other teams. Progress ought to be measured in terms of achievements and the following few weeks in the Caribbean will act as fitting testimony to the progress made by Team India under the coching of Chappell and the leadership of Dravid.

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