For the start here is an outstanding stat – every Indian will know it and be proud of it. India hasn’t lost an ODI since the birth of 2010 in India. And India will play all but one of their entire World Cup games in India. (The first game will be in Bangladesh) So that’s a good beginning. Though relying on statistics is not the greatest thing to do, one can understand something from this stat. That India understands local conditions better. They adapt their game accordingly.
India’s batting line-up is definitely the best in the World right now, keeping in mind the pitch and wicket playing conditions. Sachin Tendulkar looks like he’ll not stop till he touches the World Cup as Champion. That’s a good sign. A passionate Sachin is always more dangerous than an in-form Sachin. Fortunately for India, Tendulkar is now both passionate and definitely in the form of his life. Hopefully India will win the World Cup to honour the achievements of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar to whom this will be the biggest gift the country can give. What a Champion he has been and he deserves to win what will probably be his last Cricket World Cup.
Sehwag and Gambhir signify India’s top order strength and together with Sachin Tendulkar can bat for most part of the 50-overs. If one of the three stay till the 40th over then India will be difficult to stop. If Sehwag stays till the 40th over, the opposition can forget winning the game. Such is the nature of the Delhi lads; their mental strength can destroy any opposition. They understand each other so well and are are a dangerous pair.
The middle-order is important for any team and India has a strong middle order. Virat Kohli is India’s leading batsman in the last two years and increasingly looks in threatening form. Especially in run-chases Kohli has performed remarkably in tough situations. Yuvraj Singh is a real match winner and on his day can make any bowling attack ordinary. This World Cup, Yuvraj will be given an additional responsibility of consistently bowling 10 overs for his side. His left-arm orthodox is still under-rated and he can be a weapon India can use most times.
Suresh Raina is the finisher and his role will be to continue the role performed by the top order in the last overs. Especially in the batting PowerPlay, India can rely on Suresh Raina to hammer the attack to all parts. His part-time off spin could be a handy back-up option which can be used when India need it. Add to that he is India's best fielder and can easily save 15-20 runs for the team. Spectators in the midwicket region beware. The ball is coming your way.
Captain - Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one man who can bat anywhere in the batting order. He will be a floater; will come in based on the situation. He is very consistent, is energetic and as Captain will definitely bring the best out of the players. Under him, India has enjoyed playing the game and leading the World. MS Dhoni’s strategic moves will be the focus of attention and India can trust their captain. Also he is faster than lightning when it comes to whipping the bails off. MS Dhoni is India’s belief. India has never had a 'keeper who kept well and batted better at the same time. MS Dhoni is a change and is India's answer to those critics.
Harbhajan Singh will probably be India’s lone spinner in the starting XI. India will use Yuvraj and Raina for the 10 overs. If Harbhajan stays the same he was in South Africa, then India can hope for an economical 10 overs from the Sardar. He is a much improved and dangerous batsman and if he can chip in will a quickfire cameo it will be fantastic for the team. He is one man who will always look into the eye of the opponent and a fighter to the core.
Zaheer Khan and Praveen Kumar will be the opening bowlers and one is a leader 
and another swings the ball both ways. One is the best left-arm seamer in the world and the other is a capable new ball bowler who can destroy the batting with his movement. Munaf Patel will in all probability be the third seamer in the XI and has been in top form of late. India will need his line and length bowling in the middle overs.
India’s bench strength exudes confidence too. Yusuf Pathan, if he gets the chance will demolish the bowling single-handedly. India will use Piyush Chawla in the group stages against the minnows. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ashish Nehra can also be useful replacements if and when they are needed.
And most importantly, this will be Gary Kirsten’s last assignment as India’s Coach. He has been brilliant, wonderful, fantastic, cool, calm and composed. Together with Dhoni, he has taken India to levels the team had never experienced. He has taken India to No.1 in Tests and most importantly supported the team to remain there till now. It will be a feather in the cap of Gary if he leaves India as the Coach of the World Cup winning team. He has been a better version of John Wright who along with Sourav Ganguly took India to the final in the 2003 edition. So can Gary do one better?
I think he can. I strongly back India to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Do you too think so?
