
BRISTOL, MAY 21: The last thing the beleaguered Indian team needs is rain. Having blown up their chances of running victories in two consecutive matches, the team desperately needs a morale-boosting win over lowly Kenya to put it in the right frame of mind for the tougher matches ahead against holders Sri Lanka and hosts England.
This morning, the Indians hopes of nets were dashed by rain. The weather, however, is expected to get better in the evening and the team management has rescheduled the practise for later.
India 0.031 have a faint glimmer of hope as their run quotient is better than Sri Lanka8217;s -1.053. However, India are lying only fourth in the table. South Africa, England, Zimbabwe, all with four points, are in the first three slots. Thus Indian hopes of a berth in the Super Six only three teams from each group will advance hang on the slender thread that one of these teams would trip up.
Meanwhile, the Indian team members are aware that they have infuriated the folks back home. Ifanything, they are more tense and communication between the team members, never good at the best of times, is even more strained.
But that needs to be sorted out early. Also, they are awaiting word on Sachin Tendulkar8217;s return. Apparently the team will be informed tonight about his availability for the Kenya game. Indications, however, are that he will be back only for the match against Sri Lanka.