The Criket WorldCup 2007

Well, the biggest cricket extravaganza is back again... and so are the hopes of a billion Indians. Its been a long 24 years since Kapil Dev lifted the coveted trophy at Lords, fueling a passion that is more a religion now. I am no different and don't intend to miss any of the action live. If India does make the finals, I also plan to fly to the Caribbeans. However, before that I need to quickly settle on a WC telecast/streaming package before the slots are taken.

My personal opinion - this should be a very interesting tournament and a closely fought one too. Australia no longer are the clear favorites, though they still are the reigning champions and the team to beat. South Africa are at the top of the ICC ranking. Sri Lanka had a great year before the setback in India. West Indies should also fancy their chances on their home ground and have a well balanced side led admirably by Lara. Pakistan always a very talented outfit, very unpredictable and a dangerous side bogged by controversies and disputes amongst themselves. England must be buoyed by their revival down under after being under the hammer for most of their tour down under. New Zealand, as always the dark horse with a great captain. However, my money is on India to win this year ( no surprises :)) )

India seems to be just about peeking at the right moment after their torrid run last season. In all fairness, the so called bunch of jokers have for once picked the perfect team combination. The team has a wonderful mixture of youth and experience. Nine members from the last WC get another chance to better their last performance in South Africa, where they ended up second best to Australia. The dravids, tendulkars, kumbles and gangulys would be playing their last cup and would be desperate to add a world cup triumph to their illustrious careers. The dhonis, pathans, karthicks, sreesanths and uthapas would hope to announce their arrival on the big stage, whereas the yuvis, sehwags, bajjis, agarkars and zaheers would be desperate to prove that they are ready to shoulder the team after the exit of the famous four. Fielding appears to a weakness, however all depends on how the team starts off in the tournament.

So keeping my fingers crossed, here's wishing the Men in Blue, all the best. Go India Go .....!!!