545207

545207. Wondering what is this? Which location the pin code belongs too? Mr. Google will tell us that no such pin code exists in India. Then what is it?

The numbers 5, 4, 5, 2, 0, 7 denote the wickets Mohammad Shami has grabbed in 6 matches after being made to sit out of the first 4 matches. So much so that Government should assign this pin code to any place that Shami chooses to call home. We, in hindsight, should be thankful to Hardik Pandya whose injury created a window of opportunity for Shami and boy he has banged open the doors.

To say that India is a cricket obsessed country would be an understatement. Cricket for many Indians is a religion and cricketers are Gods. Within that also batsmen occupy the top places in our pantheon of cricketing Gods. But for a change, this time Indian bowlers have staked their rightful claims up there. They says batters can win you matches, but bowlers win you tournaments. Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Kuldip and Jadeja have presented a lethal, relentless 5 pronged attack. They have hunted in packs, taken pitch and match conditions out of the equation. The hindi saying "????? ????? ?? ????? ??????" holds good for Team India bowlers in this world cup. They have made a kaddu of every batting unit that came in their way. Reminds me of the fear commanded by the West Indian pace attack of 1970s / early 80s. India is the only team to have bowled out every single side they have faced, be it bowling first or second.

Not only that India is also the only team to have yet to be bowled out in any of the 10 matches. Indian batting has demonstrated a solidity and reliability at another level. Hitman Rohit's tactically explosive starts have blunted the best of the bowling attacks, Shubhman's Shubh shuruat, Kohli playing the Kool ringmaster, Shreyas Iyer's scintillating fireworks, Rahul's ability to mould to the situation has made sure that after 10 matches Indian batters beyond first 5 have not yet had any significant opportunity to showcase their batting skills. The batting and bowling has been supported by top class fielding. Rohit's astute captaincy has been the icing on the cake. Virtually all boxes are ticked as far as the playing team goes.

But I think we grossly underappreciate the effort of those working quietly behind the scenes. Led by the Wall Rahul Dravid, the batting, bowling, fielding coaches and support staff have helped present the playing team in best possible shape. Rahul Dravid has had a illustrious career but his career was always overshadowed by Sachin's. He came very close in 2003 to be part of the world cup winning side, but they faltered at the last stage. And unfortunately it was under his leadership that India suffered it's worst ever world cup disaster in 2007. But being the champion he always was, he decided to reconstruct the wall. Brick by brick. Step by Step. Starting with NCA, Junior team, India A team and finally India Senior team. You could trust Dravid to follow a method, a process, earn it the hard way. 2023 in a way could be the Chak De - Kabir Khan moment for Rahul Dravid. His chance at redemption. The team owes it to him.

I know, superstitious fans in us would be saying wait before you celebrate. There is still one hurdle to go. But I could not hold back. I am not quite the avid, crazy cricket fan. But when holi is being played around you, how can you stay spotless. Last month and a half has been a cricket carnival in India. It's timed to perfection with the festive season in India. and to top it all, the brand of cricket India has played in this world cup so far has clearly established that it is the best side of the tournament, by a distance. 10 out of 10. Such a dominating, all round performance.

I sincerely hope and pray that on 19th evening, we will see Rohit emulate Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni to lift the cup for India. Not just because Indian fans desperately crave for it. But because Indian team truly deserves it.

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