World Cup – India and my dark horse.....

Cricket's greatest extravaganza and how can I resist not turning into a writer. These days we see predictions, team analysis and what not from almost everybody around. Maybe I am not the expert, but that does not stop me from jotting down my 2 cents of knowledge (or crap!!).

The first week has already floated away and I don't think we are disappointed. We've already had a tie, and all the top players have been spectacular of the blocks. All that bodes for the best world cup ever. It's exciting when the world's very best are going to be in their top form when they do battle in 'the' premier tournament.

India kick-off on the morrow. Where do we stand? For once everything looks relaxed. Well, is it?

There is a sense of coldness developing in our performance these days. I see a constant effort to get the job done, which means we've cut of some frills associated with our game. We have a captain who accepts our shortcomings. Nobody as yet gives them us chance, but nobody can ever write down such a dangerous side. I find this good enough for our boys. But you know what – all the bicker is going to start from tomorrow (lol).

This is going to be a swansong for most of our big boys, so we should expect a feast from them. Do you expect Sehwag to do better? Well, I do. Expect a few surprises up the order too because I feel something's cooking in our dressing room. We can expect Saurav, Sachin and Dravid to be rock solid. Take away every else people. These folks are going to win us a few matches. Yuvi and Dhoni are our focus players and very important one's too, and for once we have a pace attack that people are looking up to. Well, I see a team I can look forward too...

Coming to my other favorite – The Black Caps. New Zealand are on a hot streak, that's as if today's performance wasn't testimony enough. They have the best captain (I think so, and believe me there are a few who say so), steady bowling, Bond – for sheer pace and almost everybody can bat. They are no more the dibly doblers of cricket. They are serious contenders now. I have a gut feeling that they are on a roll which is probably going to take them a long way and surprise a few teams along the way.

I cheer for India, I have a very strong feeling that it's the Black Caps this time. I would like to stick my neck out and say that I'd be happy if my favorite teams can make it to the semis. Well, wait and watch.