Taking the Windies by storm?
SANJEEV CHOUDHARY
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This cricket-crazy nation gets ready to indulge in some fun in the sun.
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Indians across all age groups are gearing up to watch the world cup matches that should start only at night, given the time difference.
PHOTO: PTI
ALL THE BEST: To the men in blue.
The other day the Indian cricket team left for the Caribbean Islands, carrying with them great expectations and a billion prayers. The biggest World Cup since the first edition in 1975, it is being held for the first time in the West Indies, which is actually a conglomerate of a group of Indian nations playing cricket together. And Indians across all age groups have made special preparation to watch the game that should start only at night, IST, given the time difference.
In anticipation
In Patna, the youngsters have asked for a special flat screen TV at the youth club. In Delhi, former cricketers are likely to be cooped up in the TV channel offices to give their expert opinions. In Bangalore, former wicket keeper, Syed Kirmani, one of the heroes of the 1983 winning team, will give his views to a channel while Shrikkanth will do the same from Chennai. As will Ashok Malhotra, Vivek Razdan, Saba Karim and Madan Lal. Not to forget Kapil Dev.
Even as the pundits count Australia then Sri Lanka, India and South Africa among the favourites, the little boys and girls have their heroes all right.
"Mahendra Singh Dhoni is my ultimate cricket icon," says Kartik Choudhary, a Std. VI student of Delhi Public School. "I can't wait to watch him perform at the World Cup."
As this cricket-crazy nation gets ready to indulge in fun of sun n' sand and cricket on the Caribbean islands, it seems all the deities of India have also gathered together under a unified sky.
Even though the school exams are clashing with the games, it seems that schoolchildren are all geared up to witness this gala event with much enthusiasm. Says Ankita Prakash, a Std. XII student of Central School, Delhi: "The Indian cricket team is on a par with the best. India seems to be on the winning spree just as much as Australia or South Africa."
"It is a blend of practice, devotion and strategic planning which makes the Indian cricket team stand out," says Jasneet, a student of Modern School, Vasant Vihar. "My favourite is Yuvraj Singh," she adds.
Beyond favourite heroes, the cup has special meaning for the likes of Bermuda and Scotland who will be playing their first World Cup. And not to forget Dougie Brown who played one-day cricket for England, coached Namibia last time and is representing Scotland this time!
Hype and hoopla
The hype for the World Cup started during the twin series versus the West Indies and Sri Lanka in India when we even had advertisements of Yuveraj Singh, our dashing middle order batsman, asking the fans to come to the Windies as the hosts are ready with everything. Even palak paneer and dosa! But cricket in India is an obsession that can turn violent if we fail in a game or two.
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