World Cup is a stage fans want their heroes to excel at. From the time we won the Cup for the first time in 1983, we have done well in all editions barring 2007 when the team was kocked out at the league stage itself. India's progress in one-day cricket has been enviable with the team winning the Cup again in 2011 apart from the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup triumph in 2007.
For India the Cup starts with the much-hyped contest against Pakistan. This is a match that engages the attention of us all and nothing can really get bigger. I am sure the Indian team would do well despite the disappointment of the Test and the tri-series in Australia preceding the Cup. Of course, the team learnt some lessons during this difficult period and would do well to address the issues as soon as possible.
However, the areas of concern for India are many. The openers and the middle order have to spruce up their performances while the bowlers have little time to sort out their woes. The plus point in India's favour is that they played the best team in the world when preparing for the World Cup and it should guide them in the opening match.
India and Pakistan have a history of having played some close matches.
True, India has not lost to Pakistan in World Cups but this would be a different contest. It is likely to be tough as always and produce some explosive cricket.
On paper, Pakistan appears to be a weak side. They are certainly going to miss off-spinner Saeed Ajmal. I know they have a bunch of youngsters who would want to do well against India but it would be too early to judge how quickly they adapt to the big stage. Pakistan has a steady batting line up and here, I must say, veterans Misbah-ul-Haq and Younus Khan will provide depth in this department.
Pakistan has the tendency to lose the plot when they lose early wickets and it is here that Younus and Misbah come into the picture. They are traditionalists in their approach and can control the game really well. They can be handy in difficult situations. And India can ill-afford to ignore some one like Shahid Afridi, who can swing the match from any stage, and Mohammad Irfan, who can bowl the ball from a disconcerting height.
India is a balanced side and a lot would depend on how MS Dhoni meets the challenge. I have faith in his experience and abilities. To me, he is one of the most dependable middle-order batsmen in the world.
He needs to leave the past behind and do what he is known to do best — smash the opposition.
I want Suresh Raina to perform consistently if India has to progress smoothly. He, along with Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, provide immense strength to the likes of Shikhar Dhawan. Rahane is very steady, Rohit is dangerous and Raina has the experience.
India's best bet is Virat Kohli. He has batted like a champion in the past one year especially and if India has to clinch the Cup, Kohli will be the critical cog.
As for Dhawan, he may feel the pressure but I know he will emerge a big run-getter. I hope India's bowlers get their act together too.