Caribbean Cool

The world cup is just around the corner. This time it is in the Caribbean where the best of the cricket teams clash for the coveted cup. The much awaited ICC world cup has got enough hype before it kicks off this March. Added to the hype, we also had a lot of warm up games with many of the teams competing against each other. As an ardent fan of Cricket and as an Indian, I wish from the bottom of the heart that my country takes the cup home. However, it is not going to be easy. The odds are highly stacked against India.

Looking at the recent past, India has not done really well except against West Indies and Sri Lanka at home. We all know that India plays well at home. India has a bad reputation playing and winning in conditions suitable for the bowlers. It would be interesting to watch who would make it to the top 4 and come out as a winner.

Australia is definitely the hot favorites for this world cup as well. They will be defending the cup they won last time. A fit and energetic team poses threat for everyone in the league. It is a great team which boasts of all rounders and why not. Every one in the team contribute a bit. They also are an excellent fielding outfit. All teams need to play out of their skins to beat this team. I think there is a high possibility of this team winning.

The Kiwis may come as a dark horse in this world cup. The resilient New Zealand team has given a tough time for the Aussies recently. They have chased very high targets against a quality Australian attack. Watch out for the Kiwis.

The South Africans have been a professional outfit right from the time they entered the international league. They have been dogged by controversies and bad luck in all the world cups. The team performs consistently and one bad game has thrown them out. We will have to wait to see what this determined South African team does this time.

For West Indies, they will be playing in their home turf and the conditions suit them. We can never predict this team since one player can turn the whole tide in their favour. Pakistan is in the same league as West Indies for they are so unpredictable. If they are on a roll, nobody can come in their way. One more team which can spring surprises is England who can give any team a run for their money. Counting out the minnows of Cricket (not under estimating), these are the teams to watch out for.

What does it take for India to compete against these teams and come out as a winner? The answer lies within every player and I am sure everyone agrees with me : Commitment, Consistency, Fitness, Focus and the thirst for taking the cup for the second time in history. On paper, the team looks very good with big names and great statistics behind them. But on the ground, they have to start off from Zero every game to make a difference.

All I can say is "May the best team win!!!"