India have won a billion hearts

Either way, they would have already done enough to prove themselves to their fans — and they’ve won many, the world over, since that debacle at Centurion — and to themselves. And, as we have detailed in this paper’s Section II, this is a team for the future.

Indeed, the story of the world cup does not lie in singular efforts — the breathtaking abilities of Tendulkar’s centuries notwithstanding, or even the surprising performance of the pace attack. The story lies in the amazing metamorphosis of the team as a whole, the sum of the parts more spectacular than the parts themselves.

Remember, this was a team that woke up, five Sundays ago, to news that their pictures had been blackened, effigies burnt, houses attacked, families threatened. They responded in the best sporting tradition: on the field.

And silenced their critics. Ask Krishnamachari Srikkanth, one of those who went after the team on TV following the loss to Australia. Today, he calls this ‘‘the best side he has seen in recent times, one that could win the Cup.’’ Why this change in stance? ‘‘It’s obvious the team has turned over a new leaf.’’

That new leaf came about at Harare, against Zimbabwe. That’s when Sachin Tendulkar’s run graph took off, that’s when Ashish Nehra was transformed into a quick bowler after years of medium-pace.

Tomorrow, India go into the match with several positives to draw from this change:

• Sachin has laid to rest doubts about his being a big-match player, and that he hasn’t sufficiently contributed to India’s winning causes
• Saurav Ganguly, with three centuries in this world cup, no longer has to fear questions about his inclusion in the side
• Rahul Dravid’s wicket-keeping and his ability to step on the gas in the slog overs means that he isn’t just a Wall
• Yuvraj and Kaif have shown that Lords 2002 wasn’t a flash in the pan
• And, of course, the pace attack.

In short, a team at peace with itself. As former Indian Test player Sanjay Manjrekar says, ‘‘In recent times we’ve had maybe three, four very talented players in the team. What we now have is a side full of competence, aggression and enthusiasm. This is the perfect scenario for the Indian team.’’

Though these guys have been a part of the Indian lineup for long, but it is the World Cup which has seen the coming together of the unit. ‘‘The timing has been perfect for these guys coming together.’’

If India don’t win the silverware, they’ve already won the hearts.