The Hindu : India can pull it off

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 23, 2003

Sport

Sport - World Cup

India can pull it off

So, after twenty years, India once again finds itself in a World Cup final. It is a huge achievement in itself and my congratulations to the Indian side for getting here.

I can tell you that this is a feeling that can only be experienced and not expressed in words. Along with the happiness, our cricketers must also be feeling the weight of expectations.

We felt the same in '83 at Lord's. However, once we set foot on the ground, the negative thoughts vanished and all that mattered was our performance on the day. The difference between '83 and now is, while India's presence in the final stunned just about everybody then, the present side was widely expected to make it to the title clash once it gathered steam after a sluggish start. So the pressure is bound to be even more on the Indian side.

Sourav Ganguly's men should treat the final as just another game, and if they can do that and play to potential, then I am sure they will give themselves a very good chance of winning the World Cup.

The Aussies have always been aggressive and the pitch at the Wanderers may have some pace and bounce in it. India, however, in this kind of form and mood, will present a formidable hurdle to any side.

The first 15 overs of the Indian innings will be crucial and Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag should play their natural game, taking on the Australian pacemen. In other words, they will have to seize the initiative from Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee.

This really will be the key to the contest and if the Australian pacemen are not allowed to get on top, then they can be conquered. India will have to attack on Sunday.

Adam Gilchrist and Mathew Hayden form a pair of free-stroking southpaws, but we must remember that Javagal Srinath has always bowled well to the left-handers. If Srinath strikes early, the Aussies could be jolted.

I would not mind Harbhajan Singh coming on early, in the first 15 overs, if Ricky Ponting arrives at the crease. The Australian captain has never really handled the off-spinner confidently.

The point is, if the Indians can have a clear look at the Australian middle-order, they could apply a lot of pressure. It has been evident from the competition that the Aussie middle-order can be vulnerable.

The ideal scenario from an Indian perspective would be to win the toss, bat first, pile up the runs, and take wickets with the new ball when the Australians chase. Even in the event of the Indians pursuing a target, they still have a good chance if they go after the bowlers rather than allow them to dictate terms.

It should be an interesting final and might throw up a gripping finish. I have a feeling that, eventually, India will pull it off.

www.kris-srikkanth.com

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