India in Tough Group

By Gulu Ezekiel

Having been placed in the weakest team by rights as defending champions, India now find themselves in the tougher of the two Super 8 groups with their first match against the West Indies on Friday.
The Indians have been clinical without being spectacular in easing past Bangladesh and Ireland in the prelims. But they will face a stern test in taking on the Caribbeans, hosts England and formidable South Africa.
West Indies dealt one of the biggest blow of the tournament when they crushed Australia in their opening match thanks to a spectacular innings by captain Chris Gayle.
Gayle was missing with a leg injury in Wednesday’s lacklustre display against Sri Lanka. But he appears to have recovered and should be fit for Friday’s clash. As one of the most destructive 20/20 batsmen in the world, his side can take on the best if he fires in his opener’s role.
England bounced back in style after their shock defeat at the hands of the Netherlands in the tournament’s opening game. They were in top form while outclassing Pakistan at the Oval and look to be warming up to the challenge in front of their home supporters.
South Africa appeared to be India’s toughest challenge going into the tournament and recorded the biggest win of the tournament in crushing Scotland. It was much closer against New Zealand and the match against India next week could well be the highlight of the tournament.
Both sides had plenty of players in the IPL and going by the form book, could well be facing each other in the final at Lord’s.
Rohit Sharma’s sparkling form as opener means Virender Sehwag’s absence is hardly being felt. Understandably low key in their opening two games, the Indians will now have to step up a gear to make it to the semifinals. On present form that appears to be a given.