Tendulkar in form for World Cup dark horses

Nothing especially caught my attention until I reached number 347 on the top of the screen. As the text entered my fatigued retinal pathways one name ignited an interest that jolted me into an upright sitting position on the sofa. 'He is back' was my initial reaction with a knowing and admiring grin on my face.

The words of interest amongst the Indian scorecard read: Tendulkar 91.

This short description was enough to change my opinion of India's chances in the World Cup. Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest ever batsman, once claimed that Sachin Tendulkar was the closest modern-day player to his style and ability. From that day on I have watched Sachin's talent with an awe reserved for few. On a number of occasions I have marveled at the little master destroying a bowler's ambitions and confidence with the brutality and control of an angry, mythical dragon slayer. His record in one-day cricket against the Aussies alone makes for imposing reading. In the past his capacity to reduce our bowlers to despair, has led my teammates to place a 'Wanted' sign up in the changing room, every time he is due to enter the same arena.

Cricket lovers all around the world have been left breathless at the genius of this man. Every time he arrives at the crease he conjures an expectation that only a select number of players around the world are able to boast. To hear that his record is not as impressive away from the sub-continent, is a mere statistical comment. After seeing his innings last summer in the Princess Diana memorial game, I don't think he is going to have any trouble adapting to the English conditions. To this day that particular innings, memorial game or no memorial game, was as destructive a one-day innings as I have ever seen.

An in-form, confident, and more recently, fit Tendulkar makes for a confident and potentially world-beating India. Like Brian Lara and the West Indies, Sachin has the gift of inspiring his team with his huge plank of leather-demolishing willow. Batting with captain Mohammad Azharuddin who has played more one-day Internationals than any other man, Rahul Dravid, Ajay Jadeja and Saurav Ganguly, the Indian batting looks more than capable to amass winnable totals. Backed up by world class leg spinner Anil Kumble and opening bowlers Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad and Ajit Agarkar, the Indain team can certainly make the semi-finals of this World Cup.

If they can organize their running between wickets and all-round fielding, and if Sachin's back can stand firm to the stress of this competition, I believe they may well be the dark horses of the tournament. I for one as a batting aficionado, would love a repeat performance of his mastery at Lords last season. That is, of course, as long as it is not against the Aussies.

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