Another Epic! Vijayadashmi on Wankhede....

25th of June 1983 is a day of national importance in India; a bit like 15 August or 26 January; at least for cricket fans. That is the day when Kapil's Devils lifted the world cup against mighty West Indians at Lords. It was completely unexpected; no one including Indians themselves gave them a snowball's chance in hell. Not only because India were the perennial strugglers of One day cricket. West Indians were undisputed champs and quite simply unbeatable....till that fateful catch that Kapil took over his shoulders, running backwards.That catch epitomizes the genius of the best all rounder India has produced and definitely one of the best ever. It was a low scoring game and bowling and fielding were highlights. Kapil lead from the front and Indian magic was rightfully credited to the big-hearted man. Today, India needs another similar performance in the field.


Indian world cup 2011 campaign has been epic. So much so that both epics of Hiindu  संस्कृति (culture) will be replayed by the time tournament ends. Mahabharat was in semi finals. It is Ramayan times now. Neither Ramanand Sagar nor BR Chopra could have scripted this better. Will India burn the Ravana and celebrate Dusshera at Wankhede tonight? India has so far succeeded against two of its arch rivals in world cricket,Australia and Pakistan, in close but convincing manner. Sri Lanka on the other hand has been the most frequent rival for team India of late, but the emotions have never run high against them; that is the nature of Sri Lankans. Will India be able to stamp its authority on World cricket by winning this one?

India is up against a very efficient Sri Lankan team, make no mistake. Their top 3 batsmen have fired in the comp. Their opening pair is statistically best in the comp. They have scored heavily at a fair clip. They have an extremely good captain in Sangakkara; perhaps only other who could match him in contemporary cricket is his rival for this game, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Their bowling though more spin dominated, has an incisive edge to it. And traditionally Sri Lankans always field very well. India, on the other hand have an equally dangerous opening combination. A slight edge over Sri Lankans is in the fact that Indian middle order looks far more assured. India have come through a few real tough games and to me, it looks as if they have peaked at the right time. They are increasingly looking more battle-hardy and their body language has changed from being tense to quiet confidence and efficient.  Their fielding is looking more assured and bowling seems to have developed some teeth. Wins against Australia and Pakistan in knock-out stages must have raised their confidence, which was eroded after the group games. Logically both teams look identical; 50:50.

What you start with in a game can sometimes change dramatically in the heat of the battle. Often mind plays tricks with you and it is easy to forget the talents you possess and start feeling completely naked in the middle. This is where champions can stand up to be counted. Who wants it more? Who is able to maintain the balance and continues to harvest its talents; this will determine the ultimate winner. And that all important factor in cricket, Luck. Small things can change a game and luck can be a small thing.

Wicket at the Wankhede is likely to be a slow, low but even; typical Indian wicket. Batsmen can make hey while the ball shines; once it goes soft, it will be a test of skill in playing late and most importantly, picking up a right ball to hit. As there is no chance of a dew in Mumbai, I think bowlers will be in the game right through; pace and spin alike. This game will be a battle of minds rather than only physical skills; a trait that makes this game perhaps the greatest challenge to succeed in. It is perhaps the best thing that we have two subcontinental teams playing under these conditions. Any other continent team, would have odds very heavily weighing against them. I believe this finals will rival 1983 for the drama and closeness. Something that the last three world cup finals have missed..

Both the teams will come to the ground with a lot of emotional baggage. Muthia Murlidharan will play his last game for Sri Lanka ever. The greatest Sri Lankan cricketer will bid adieu tonight. The favorite son of India, Sachin Tendulkar may also call it a day for ODIs. If that happens, cricket world will be poorer. What impact this has on other individuals in both the teams is very difficult to predict. This is where the team seniors will become critical. India's tough run in this comp should hold them in good stead; a very slight edge over their rivals, in my opinion.

Last game of India against Sri Lanka was more in the news on the sub-continent for possible match fixing claims than anything else. India was billed as favorite by bookies and still quite a lot of punters/press said they will loose. Since team India, did not oblige them, now it is claimed that what the bookies lost they will try to recoup by fixing Indian players to loose. If the unofficial numbers are to be believed (and in India such numbers hold more water than official), there is a huge amount of money put on India. Will Indian players take money to tank a campaign that they have been working hard towards? I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine, but I haven't seen any evidence as yet to believe Indians will do that. If I were playing, it would be all the more reason for me to go and win...hopefully, I am not out-dated as yet!!

Last time India won the cup, they did so on the strength of their all rounders: Kapil, Mohinder, Madan, Binny. I sense this time players like Yuvraj will be crucial. I predict Harbhajan to have a big game. He raised his game against Pakistanis. So far, Sri Lankans have played him very well. I suspect the sardar will once again raise his game. India to win a tight contest and break the 27 years old jinx...