Getting started

Amidst the disappointment of not seeing the men in blue out on the pitch yet in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, a flurry of trolls have taken the social media by a storm. Many memes shared on the internet revolve around how the Indian Team is relaxing while others are fighting for the cup. Well, their wait ends today at 3 PM when India take on South Africa in their World Cup campaign opener at Southampton. To many, Virat's confidence is resounding on the face of a struggling South Africa which has lost its first two fixtures against England and Bangladesh. This World Cup is perhaps Virat's greatest test which will outline his career. The current crop of players are all appropriately competent for the showpiece but lack in experience to the team of 2011 which won the highest prize of the sport after a wait of 28 years. But can we really say that lack of experience will cost them? The dynamics of the cricketing world then versus now are quite different. League cricket has tremendously amplified the scope for development in players as against net practices on home-soil. IPL-12 which wrapped up just before the World Cup was, in a way, a big mock test for all players participating in the June's showpiece event in England. IPL's campaign was similar to that of World Cup in duration. The only drawback was that IPL did not help augment team dynamics with players playing with their rivals in the same team. But that is how the sporting world operates. The biggest takeaway i.e., fitness is enough to serve as a warm-up for the World Cup. After having a gala time resting on the sidelines and watching other teams take each other on, it is finally time for India to enter the field and thrash Proteas who have had a dismal run till now. Boasting of the best batsman and bowler, Team India are favourites to qualify for the semi-final stage and a big onus of that expectation falls on Kohli and Bumrah. While India has enough firepower besides Kohli and variety in bowling besides Bumrah, these two will be the guiding lights for the blue brigade. It has been reiterated by experts that India's newfound bowling prowess is going to make a difference which may see India lift the cup. Going for the pacers or spinners would be on Kohli's discretion but what India should ensure is a healthy target should they bat first since we have seen targets of 300+ being nearly chased in this World Cup. A win today will be a major morale boost for the side considering the next few fixtures are against strong contenders in Australia and New Zealand.