Battlelines are drawn

Finally, the wait is over and t20 world cup is here, in sunny England. Weather has been behaving fine till now and hopefully it will continue. 20-20 has taken cricket lovers by storm, everyone loves it except some purists, who still like the gruelling and slow pace of test cricket.


India are favourites to win, that does not happen often. Last time we were underdogs, Dhoni was leading a team of players who wanted to perform and prove themselves at bigger stage. Dhoni and team did the fantastic job, to be frank Dhoni has a knack of leading players in other words he is a fantastic captain, he seldom looses his cool. Dhoni like Imraan Khan is a risk taking captain and believes in surprising the opposition. His decision to bowl Uttappa in that bowl over was baffling but he knew what he was doing. India did tremendously well as a team to become champions and we all know the story, we all were there, weren't we?


Let's have a look at few possible winners for this year. My friend Rohit said that 20-20 is a game for underdogs and so far the trend does proves that. Take IPL as well, Dilli was the strongest and favourites but Deccan defied the odds to win the trophy. Thus, going by that rule England has a preety fair chance of winning this as they are not amongst favourites and have an abysmal record in 20-20 despite of the fact that the format originated in England.

Pakistan looks like a good side but I think leadership is the issue here. If captain can lead them the way Dhoni led India, they might stood a chance.

Australia are always a good side but I am apprehensive about them as they have been losing frequently in the recent past.

Kiwis were semi finalists last time and champions India have not yet beaten them in 20-20. It is another thing that all of the matches were close affair and kiwis just sneaked in with a win. I have my reservations about them as their top order loks very fragile.

West Indies cricket is not at its best but they have few performers in their team, if they get a good start, they might be ale to pull of few surprises.


Sri lankans have yet to master this format and I have the view that they will continue to stuggle as Mendis has been decoded and there are batsmen who can take Murali apart on their day. They have a good bowling attack but batting lacks the punch.

South Africa looks like a good side but they have a big big mental barrier to cross. The history is against them, this team does not look the best, they had better teams in the past who choked at pressure situations. They will be a side to watch but winning would be a big big surprise.


Finally, world champions are looking good but as Gilly said that lightining does not strike twice. Despite of being favourites and having a well balanced side, India is just fighting the odds and nerves.

conclusion, heart says India but gut says England. Let's wait and watch 20 -20.