Cricket World Cup 2015: Why Team India can't afford to take it easy
It is time for India to take stock of their arsenal and prepare for the stiffer contests ahead. Ready to make a grand entry into the knockout stage, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team has eyes set on the big crown.
It was so different, if not bleak, in the run-up to the World Cup. The Test series against Australia had been a disappointment, and the tri-series a disaster. We all knew there was something missing as India struggled Down Under.
But with the start of the World Cup, the same combination has looked nearly invincible. The team is on the right course.
As India prepare to face Zimbabwe, my mind goes back to their first match of the tournament against Pakistan. That rousing victory set the tempo with Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli sounding an early warning to the opponents. The two knocks lifted the team into a zone from where it has only grown in strength.
The innings by Dhawan, Kohli and Suresh Raina saw India play to their potential against Pakistan, maintaining their unbeaten World Cup record against them. South Africa was dealt with firmly. Once again, Dhawan was in terrific touch and came up with one of the best knocks by an Indian at the World Cup.
What stood out in that victory against South Africa was the contribution by the Indian bowlers, who surprised everyone with their tremendous work in the outfield. The two run-outs by Mohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav left the South Africans stranded in the decisive phase of the match. Their strong arms lifted the fielding standard and ensured India did not face any alarms. The confidence exuded by the bowlers has carried the team to the top of the group.
True, India faced little threat from United Arab Emirates, West Indies and Ireland, but these matches were not expected to test the defending champions.
At this level, individual brilliance doesn’t always work, and a team has to be strong in all departments to make an impression.
Dhawan has been India’s most successful batsman so far. His mental strength allows him to fire and it is good to see the left- hander get into good positions quickly to play his shots. He is a fearless cricketer and I like such characters. They bring an edge to the competition because they look to dominate.
India have looked a composed team. Of course, it will be nice if Raina, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane bring in more consistency with proper shot selection.
It is critical to India’s chances that the middle order complements the start provided by Dhawan.
Ideally, the middle order should be finishing the job started by the top order and I expect crucial contributions from Dhoni. To me, he is the best match-winner in world cricket.
Dhoni and his boys have made winning a habit and we all would love to see them continue to progress with the same intensity. I must say the fitness of the team has been top class and credit goes to the support staff for ensuring the players are in the best physical shape when they take the field.
Individual passion for being supremely fit is important too and I had discovered this lesson early in my career. Only a fit player can perform consistently and do justice to his potential. Umesh, Mohit and Mohammed Shami have emerged as the pillars of the attack with R Ashwin finally blossoming into an attacking off-spinner. His clever variations of pace have left the batsmen guessing. With Ravindra Jadeja and Raina as support, he gives the bowling an added edge.
India would do well to treat the match against Zimbabwe as important as the previous five. Complacency tends to affect one’s game and Dhoni has to take into account the fact that an unbeaten league record boosts the morale when the team plays its first knockout match. This is not the time to relax.