World Cup 2007: Hopes And Expectations

I have lost count on the number of times I have been asked to predict the winner of the 2007 World Cup. Frankly, it looks like the most open event after the 1992 edition held in the Antipodes. Even then, Australia were tipped to retain their crown on current form and home advantage, but the hosts’ curse did not let go of its grip and the champions suffered.

On paper it looks like any of the top eight teams have a decent chance of laying hands on that exotic piece of silverware. But among the teams tipped to take the crown I would vouch for India to come up trumps. Patriotism might only be a part of the reason.

Frankly speaking, the expectations on India are not high if one goes by logical reasoning. So, what gives India a good chance in the ninth edition?

The wickets the teams are going to encounter in the Caribbean and the conditions to prevail is something Team India would feel more at home than any other country barring of course the host.

Anil and Harbhajan give the attack much-required balance. The biggest fallout could be the way the new ball is handled. Runs could leak when the ball is hard, and that could prove seminal in the final analysis. But if the seamers can strike a decent rhythm, India could well push every side to the wall.

Hardly do bowlers win over-specific cricket. India can be rest assured they have one of the strongest batting line-ups and, more importantly, one that is falling in place at the right moment to get the job done for them. A famous cricket writer-friend of mine called the WC squad the Desi version of dad’s army. He is right, without a trace of doubt, but the truth is the reserve tank did not promise enough runs and wickets at the grandest stage for the team to leave shores with fresher and fitter legs.

For the first time after 1999, Australia are not starting as outright favourites. The chinks were there for everyone to see, but to expose them, it needed a resurgent England and then New Zealand. Many have even put their money on the Proteas, but much like the Kiwis, they will find the going tough once the wickets start getting slower with more cricket played on them.

Given the team balance, conditions in the West Indies and the law of averages, I am afraid the most ‘open’ of all World Cups could well find its way to India. Well, the team that is going to represent you, me and the entire country is likely to hold aloft the trophy that has found only a singular owner till date. Mind you, it is not only my heart but also my head that says INDIA।

--

Many thanks to all those who’ve commented! Abhijit, I agree it’s a pity that Powar was excluded. Let’s not forget that Harbhajan’s call-up was a certainty, and that Powar’s exclusion is due to Kumble, and not Bhajji. He’s a good bowler who has unfortunately lost out to Kumble’s seniority and vast experience in international cricket. Bhupesh, the Aussies do have some fine qualities that make them the most threatening team. I see the Aussies as a team that can adapt the circumstances to suit their game: they don’t change their game and are always aggressive in all aspects of it. Their excellent system of nurturing young talent will always give Australia the upper hand in any tournament.

And frankly speaking, Srikar, I think VVS Laxman’s fielding capabilities were a big reason for his exclusion from this squad, as well as the particular conditions of this tournament. If the World Cup was being held in South Africa or Australia he would have been a surefire entrant.