For Indians, self-belief has to be exceptionally consistent

And mind you, all these elements actually stem not from an excessive dose of money. But the incessant love for it. In the process, if the spectacle of cricket loses out on its charm, then I am afraid all the business acumen of the commercial experts will have gone down the drain.

Reverting tocricket, India’s opening encounter with South Africa at Hove (by the sea) Sussex, may well be the final game of sorts for the Indians. I would be reluctant to say the same for Proteas as they are touted to be favourites to win the Cup. Indians have been in England for acclimatisation sufficiently long only to get familiar with familiarity. That their warm-up games were hampered by the wretched English weather up in North of England was expected. The South Africans were better camped in south of English Isles. At Hove precisely, for better planning.

I must say I am a bit confused as my head says India must win. But my heart questions, How? If only the two synchronise, provided they were allowed to! India’s recent past has not been very cheerful. The South Africans’ build up for the World Cup has been very immaculate. Almost flawless.

Over the last few days, Tendulkar has been innundated with almost frightening accolades by just about everybody with a faintest clue about cricket. Admittedly Sachin is MrIndian Cricket. His presence in the Indian squad is huge. But for goodness sake, there are 10 others too, whose contribution cannot be under estimated. Massive dependence on Tendulkar really worries me, for the little genius is mortal after all.

For the first time, Bobby Simpson was allowed sufficient time to pass on his experience and wisdom to the Indians. Running between the wicket should be one department of improvement if Simpson’s efforts were earnest. Although the former Aussie is known to have expressed privately, “I am not too sure of my exact role.” Frankly, if the Indians have to put pressure on the fielders they have to put pressure on themselves first with some aggressive running. It may not be that easy against the ever agile Cronje’s men. But chances have to be taken, with a fair amount of self-belief. That alone will see India through to the super-six. Now, this self-belief has to be exceptionally consistent.

Hove by the sea is a lovely holiday resort cold and windy even on a summer day.The Sussex County ground is pretty close to the ocean where taking high catches is not always simple. Getting under the ball is invariably a tough proposition. South Africa’s main strength is their top class fielding. Their batting and bowling departments are also very sound and flexible. Weather permitting, the South Africans should have a solution for every dilemma. The bookies in UK are professionals as much as they are legal, unlike some of their counterparts in the sub-continent! So if the South Africans are enjoying the confidence of the punters, there has to be quality in their methods. How Azhar and his boys are going to disturb a lot of calculations, remains to be seen.

One thing is certain — cricket fever in India is at its peak. It is an unbelievable phenomenon that a nation with only a caretaker government has to look up to cricket to see the rise on the sensex! The opening ceremony at Lord’s was very profound and sombre. Expectedly, so I am not too sure if the coloured attires of the playerswould appeal to the purists. How many of them are left anyway?