Opinion Cup that cheers
There is scepticism and, for India, tempered expectations. But that’s only till the game begins.
It is a rare World Cup these days that does not have its build-up darkened by anxieties — over construction delays, cost over-runs, the economic viability of mega tournaments in the long run and so on. The cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which is now underway, is no exception. Gripes about the length of the tournament (44 days), its structure and the relevance of the ODI format itself have been part of the pre-event cynicism. But even with the current, expanded list of participants, the ODI World Cup holds out an invitation for the scepticism to recede and for the fever to take grip.
For starters, India’s status as defending champion, a format that more or less ensures the side a place in the quarterfinals and the enduring fascination that match broadcasts from Down Under hold for Indian audiences, ensure the World Cup will not suffer from a lack of public (or sponsor) interest. Cricket can no longer pretend to be an even contest between bat and ball, but the tournament can be pitched as a batting extravaganza, where the modern greats — Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Kane Williamson — will find greater expression. There may be no outright favourites, but that does not leave the World Cup shorn of narratives or quality. South Africa looks the best overall unit on display but will have to deal with its perennial nemesis, big tournament nerves. Australia is a well-rounded side but is still in transition. The tragic death of Phil Hughes will remain with the players, as memory and motivation. New Zealand always does better in World Cups than its underdog status would suggest, but for once, comes in as challenger. Its run could well depend on how it handles this change of expectations. Subcontinental sides will have to overcome the conditions as much as the opposition. The solidarity came from an unexpected quarter, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his wishes to the SAARC heads ahead of the tournament.
India, of course, is the defending champion but the tag has rarely done previous winners any good. Only twice has a country defended the cup — it took two of the greatest ODI sides in history, the West Indies of the ’70s and Australia of the 2000s, to retain the World Cup. In Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma, India has its share of match winners. However, confusion at the board-level, a disastrous preparatory tour and an unbalanced squad leave expectations tempered. But with India’s tournament opener scheduled against Pakistan, it won’t remain that way for too long.
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