“Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent strike into the crowd! India lifts the World Cup after 28 years!” screamed Ravi Shastri on air. Dhoni just tweaked his elbow.
Ah, that day when India clinched victory over Sri Lanka – it's etched in my memory like a fairy tale. MS Dhoni's majestic six, the crowd roaring, and Yuvraj celebrating before the ball even cleared the boundary. Captain Cool sealed his place in history, and Sachin's dream of lifting the World Cup finally came true. The nation erupted in celebration.
Fast forward 12 years, and here we are, gearing up for another epic final in Ahmedabad tomorrow. Just like everyone else, I'm buzzing with excitement. Originally, I planned to dive into the '15 and '19 World Cup upsets, crafting an underdog-ish narrative hungry for the title. But hey, let's stick to the present (tbh, I don’t remember the matches leading up to the cup) – this World Cup. And let me tell you, we're not the underdogs; this is probably the best team we've ever had. Controversial? Maybe. But seriously, look at this team!
Batting Brilliance:
Starting with India's supposed weakness, the batsmen from the number 8 spot. Enter Shami, a bona fide frontline bowler with an average of 7.93 and a strike rate of 84. The strategy is clear – knock out the top 5, but they boast an average near 50 it is essentially a Bhagiratha prayatnam. And get this, India has not one, not two, but five players in the top 15 batting averages in ODI cricket. Why do I claim this is the best Indian team ever? Let's compare to the AUS teams of 2003 and 2007, arguably the best. In 2007, they had legends like Hussey, Clarke, Hayden, and Ponting in the top 15. But guess what? Hayden and Ponting were at the tail end of that list. Unprecedented, right? To spice it up, only 11 players average over 50 in ODIs, and four of them are proudly donning the Indian jersey.
Alright, let's talk Rohit Sharma – the man who leading the squad. Remember when he was considered a late bloomer in ODI cricket? Fast forward to today, and he's casually stacking up World Cup hundreds like it's no big deal. Here's the kicker – three tournaments, one just kicked off, and bam, seven hundred. That's not your everyday stat. Picture this: Rohit strolls onto the pitch in a knockout game, and what does he do? Smashed a cool 47 with a strike rate of 162. It's like he's performing cricket magic. The pressure? Non-existent. He not only eases it off the next batsmen but also sends bowlers scrambling to find the right line and length. It's like he's got a zen style of play. Makes a decision, and calmly executes the shot – pure art. But here's the twist – T20's favorite buzzword: intent. Early on, he scans the pitch, shrugs off any bowling bothering him, and decides, "You know what? Today's the day." Cue lofted shots against the seamers. Now, these weren't just any shots – they were downright incredible. What's fascinating is that he usually doesn't unleash this kind of attack so early. It's like watching a cricket mastermind at work.
Now, on to my absolute favorite – Shubman Gill. This guy is a baller, and even though it's his first World Cup (U19 doesn't count), he's got his eyes on that trophy. And boy, has he delivered! Meet the prince of Indian cricket, sitting pretty at the top of the ICC ODI rankings. And trust me, he deserves that throne. What I love about Gill is his versatility. He's the only batsman in the top 5 without a century, but who cares? The man can walk into Ahmedabad, look at the pitch, and it's game over. He can either rev up the innings or play the anchor, all depending on when Rohit decides to take a breather.
Now, let's talk about the undisputed King – Kohli. I mean, do I even need to tell you what a legend this guy is? And let's not even get started on his World Cup performance; it's on fire. As he casually dropped in one of his interviews, "For me, the most important thing is to make my team win. I've been given a role this tournament and I'm trying to dig deep. I played the role so that the guys around me could come and express themselves," Would you look at those numbers? 711 runs, three centuries, and five fifties. It's like he's playing a different game out there. If he sticks around until the 40th over, batting first, or if he decides to be the master chaser till the end – well, good luck to Australia. It's going to be one colossal task for them to snatch this victory away.
Heading into the World Cup, India faced a persistent issue with the number 4 and 5 spots. Historically, finding solid performers for these positions has been a challenge. While legends like Azharuddin and Dravid have graced number 4, Yuvraj Singh, a standout, faced challenges post-2013 due to his health battles. Post-2014, India struggled to find a consistent number 4. In 2015, Rahane stepped in with a respectable average of 40 and an 80+ strike rate. However, the 2019 edition saw a revolving door with four players trying their luck – Pant, Pandya, Shankar, and Rahul. The collective effort didn't yield the desired results. India ended up with the second-worst average in the tournament, and their strike rate fell short.
Early in the league stage, Shreyas Iyer faced a rough patch, falling prey to some not-so-great deliveries, especially the short ones. However, a turnaround came in the match against SL. Suddenly, he's on fire – impeccable timing, knowing exactly when to leave those tricky balls. The result? Two consecutive centuries, giving the team a solid 40-50 run advantage in the total score. Not just a big hitter, he played a crucial role in the Pakistan match, churning out a steady 50 when things weren't looking great. Building partnerships, rotating the strike – he ensured the ship sailed smoothly.
Now, let's talk about KL Rahul at number 5. Sure, he might not have had the golden run like Kohli or Rohit, but his innings against Australia and a crucial 39 against NZ were sparks of brilliance. Don't be fooled by the seeming quietude – his real magic happens behind the stumps. The man pulled off a whopping 15 catches, and his Decision Review System (DRS) calls have been spot-on, saving us from some nail-biting moments.
Sky and Jaddu, not getting many chances this season, a clear sign of the top 5's sheer dominance. We all know their explosive potential. Fingers crossed that top 5 won’t let them get too many chances in the final either!
Bowling Brilliance: An Ensemble Performance
From Bumrah's unplayable deliveries to Shami's dream run, the Indian bowling unit isn't a one-man show; it's a power-packed ensemble. Similar to the dominant trio of Rohit, Shubman, and Kohli in batting, the trio of Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami has been the talk of the town. Just as Rohit, Shubman, and Kohli lay the foundation with the bat, our fast bowlers are relentless from the first ball, supporting each other and building long-lasting partnerships.
When Hardik hobbled off with a left ankle injury against Bangladesh, India faced a conundrum. The solution? Embrace the five-bowler strategy. In steps Mohammed Shami, he was raising eyebrows about batting depth. The outcome? A jaw-dropping 5 for 54 in a thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand. Lucknow brought challenges as India fought to reach 229 for 9 against England. With the lower order exposed, Bumrah's gritty 16 off 25 balls provided invaluable runs. Then, with the ball, Shami dismantled England's middle order, engaging in a sensational duel with Ben Stokes. Bumrah and Shami's combined brilliance saw England crumble, defending a total for the first time in the tournament. Shami's four-for and Bumrah's three wickets were pure gold
Bumrah's impact isn't confined to one phase. His new-ball mastery, featuring relentless seam and punishing length, makes batsmen wary. A powerplay economy of 3.13, the best in the tournament for bowlers with 60+ balls, showcases his command. Teams play him cautiously, creating compelling cricket moments. India's unchanged lineup for six games is a testament to their strength. Shami, with three five-fors, leads the wicket-taking charts with 23 scalps at a staggering average of 9.13, making him a force to be reckoned with.
Kuldeep and Jadeja are building pressure in the middle overs. Kuldeep's pivotal last two overs against NZ created pressure, aiding Shami's 7-wicket haul. Jadeja's consistency with the ball throughout the World Cup, with 16 wickets, can trouble Australia's middle order.
Lastly, Siraj, though not the standout this time, has the potential for destruction. If he finds form, you know the havoc he can unleash.
Something that I would to see:
Personal bias, but I would love to see Ashwin play this match, while I know this is very unlikely, Ravichandran Ashwin's sole appearance in the ICC World Cup 2023, against Australia, showcased his prowess with an impressive 34 for one wicket in 10 overs. Yet, the Indian bowling unit, a well-oiled machine, has thrived in his limited absence, exemplifying efficiency and form, barring matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Ashwin's historical dominance over Australia, especially with 100-plus wickets against them, they should the question: Should he make a comeback? The spinner's variations, notably the elusive carrom ball, have perplexed Australian batsmen, making him a potent force. However, the dilemma lies in choosing who to replace. Kuldeep’s spin and Ravindra Jadeja's all-round brilliance deem them untouchable, and the formidable pace of Bumrah, and Shami shows no signs of slowing down. The most likely candidate for substitution is Siraj, but with a 13-wicket streak, it doesn’t seem very likely and also that is a very tricky situation to be in.
What about Australia?
Australia is coming with 8 consecutive wins. Australia's bowling unit, led by the formidable trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, showcased its prowess in the semi-final against South Africa, bagging eight crucial wickets. Despite Starc and Cummins both claiming 13 wickets each, they have been a bit expensive, conceding over six runs per over. In contrast, Hazlewood has been the most effective, securing 14 wickets at an impressive average of 4.67.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa, the leading wicket-taker in the league stage with 22 scalps, went wicketless in the semis. However, his track record against India, especially in Indian conditions, makes him a key player in the middle overs. Australia's pace bowlers need to strike early with the new ball to put India's power-packed batting lineup under pressure. Learning from their league encounter in Chennai, where Hazlewood and Starc reduced India to 2/3, a similar start could be crucial in quelling India's challenge.
Australia heavily relies on David Warner, their leading run-scorer with 528 runs, and dangerous players like Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, adept at playing spin, could make a significant impact in the final. Australia's long batting lineup, featuring Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, makes them a formidable force.
The final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two cricketing giants. India's impressive World Cup run has set the stage for potential redemption and a chance to end the ICC trophy drought. Winning it for Rahul Dravid, who has played a pivotal role as the coach, would add an extra layer of significance to the victory.
The anticipation for the final is palpable, and cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching to witness the battle between bat and ball, the strategic moves, and the moments of brilliance that define a World Cup final. May the best team emerge victorious, and may it be a match filled with unforgettable moments. Can’t wait to see more than 140 cr people celebrating it. Enjoy the game with your gang, and here's hoping for a full house of excitement, celebration, and joy. May the spirit of cricket shine bright in this showdown. Cheers to a memorable match!
Stuff to read:
The brilliant Osman Samiuddin on the devastating Jasprit Bumrah. A piece destined to be read, re-read, and anthologized: Link
One of the best Indian Cricket Journalist, Sharda Ugra, is out with another brilliant piece: Link
1983 was a lot more than the triumph of the underdog. In unleashing the aspirations of Indian cricket, it changed the game forever: Link
Cricketing Myths Series: Rahul Dravid, labeling, illusory correlation and the Hole in the Wall: Link
From sneaky runouts to tactical retirements, from placing fielders straight behind the bowler to taking off his pads at the non-striker’s end to run faster, Ashwin has reimagined the sport to an extent that no spreadsheet or statistic can describe. But will he play? Will he get his crowning glory? Link
Sharda Ugra's deep dive into the affairs of the BCCI, where she also looks at sexual abuse in women's cricket: Link
Stuff to watch:
I am not someone who religiously follows cricket, but I love to consume a lot of content post matches when I watch them, and I love to watch a few content creators that I love
Baby Over
Always love Ashwin’s content
The Pavilion Cricket Show
Oaktree Sports’ CWC coverage is good too.
6ixandout is a wonderful channel that makes great cricket videos
My favorite: Jarrod Kimber
That’s it for this edition, I shall [try to] be regular again (impending doom; that is the placement season is upon us). See you next edtions with other thoughts and recommendations. Share your favorite cricketing moments or other recommendations in the comments/ can DM me on Instagram