Last month, when the Indians had come to Durban, they were a worried lot. Much of that worry has disappeared and the harried tourists are a happy family unit. With the prospect of playing Kenya in the semi-final in a few days time Team India is relaxed and quite unperturbed by the form of their rivals.When Kenya gave Australia a scare yesterday most of the Indians were having a relaxed dinner not quite keen to follow every ball bowled or every stroke hit. Saurav Ganguly, though, did peep into the bar several to catch some of the action live.The team isn’t worried by Kenya’s performance yesterday, says Mohammed Kaif. ‘‘We have beaten teams which have been in form and much better ranked, so I don’t think there will be any problem for us,’’ he said.Kaif, in sparkling form and the hero of the victory against New Zealand, said he was ‘‘confident of a good show’’ in the final phase of the tournament. His promotion in the batting order seems to have made a difference. ‘‘I’ve been playing at number three or four since my school days, even for my state side, so I’m quite comfortable at the top of the order.’’The Indians had a virtual off day today, save for a morning workout. The mood at the hotel has been relaxed, especially last night when all three teams — India, Australia and Kenya — were under the same roof.The camaraderie was good to see, Aussie all-rounders Ian Harvey and Andrew Symonds with tall glasses of beer and chatting with the Indians. Then came the Aussies’ tormentor, Asif Karim, who is no stranger to the Indians.After a few words with them, he joined the Aussies at the bar and all the on-field tensions seemed to slip away. The Australians play hard and tough but they appreciate the same qualities in others. And beer is a great leveller.The Aussies left town this morning but the buzz around the team hotel has stayed. Security is, as can be expected, tighter than ever and getting access to players is well-nigh impossible.Among the throng of fans, onlookers and journalists was an elderly couple. After much hesitation the man approached an Indian journalist. ‘‘I am Srinath’s uncle, can you help us to get in touch with him?’’ he said. All we could do was send him to the media manager.Best of the luck to the old man since getting through that barrier at times has been as difficult as.as facing Srinath on a wicked pitch.
