One of my childhood memories was dreaming of becoming a cricketer, idolising the Indian players after the 1983 World Cup victory at Lord’s against the near unbeatable West Indies side. Fast forward to 2015. The tables have turned and I wonder how many kids will take to cricket looking at the current West Indies team.
Will they believe it if I speak of the aura of invincibility that the West Indies commanded? Not many, as one of the most colourful cricket teams of all times has been on a steady decline. Recent conflicts between the Board and the players left a sour taste among fans and affected their cricket.
The team has been mired in controversies, starting with its aborted tour of India to the axing of two very talented and key players, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, further weakening the side leading into the World Cup.
After being shocked by Ireland in the first game, the West Indies bounced back strongly against Pakistan. Against Zimbabwe, the incomparable Chris Gayle swept the opposition away with a blistering show. But West Indies was annihilated by South Africa in the next encounter.
India, on the other hand, has gone about its business in a professional manner. The batsmen’s form looks rosy; if there is any concern, it is regarding the late-order hitting.
The bowling too has been top notch and extremely disciplined so far in a tournament where 300-plus has become par for the course. In the last eight games there have been three 400-plus totals. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who got a game against UAE in place of the injured Mohammed Shami, looked fitter and quicker than what he has been on this Australian tour. That is a good sign for the team. Shami has recovered from his injury and there is now a problem of plenty.
Come Friday, it should be four from four as a confident India looks to maintain the winning momentum.
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