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What a campaign!

April 2nd, 2011 is a day I'll remember for a long time. Not just for this shot but the way in which India handled the final overall. Barring the last 5 overs of the SL innings and the first 5 of India's innings, I've rarely seen the team look in such complete control on a big day. It was just brilliant overall and for me will remain a highlight of my India watching days forever. And I would have to disagree with Nirmal Shekhar that this victory was not as epochal as the first one in 1983. Back then, there were no expectations from the team and therefore no pressure, whereas this team was expected to win from day one by a billion plus people. Performing under that kind of pressure is an achievement that can't be overstated. I do agree with Andy Bull's view that there is going to be a big talent drain post the World Cup. Ponting, Sangakkara, Vettori, and Smith have already given up the limited overs captaincy and Murali has played his last international game. Tendulkar, Kallis, Lee, Dravid, Laxman, are going to be gone soon as well. I'm confident though that there will be plenty of replacements and with talents like Kohli, Raina, Mathews, deVilliers, Morgan, Bravo etc there won't be a lack of future stars.

India's campaign also reminded me in many ways of Stefan Edberg's last Grand Slam victory at the US Open in 1992. As the defending champion, he was amongst the favourites and had a relatively easy first few rounds but then thrice in a row, he got through five-set victories and near defeats to get through to the final (just like India did against the Windies, Australia and Pakistan). And in the final against Sampras, he dropped the first set and the next two sets were tightly contested but was then in cruise mode in the final set. The similarities don't end there, he defeated an ageing Lendl (who had been dominant at the US Open in that era) in the quarters like India did with the Aussies, then beat Chang in the semis (when few had expected the latter to get that far). And then he met Sampras who was the smoothest through the tournament (much like Sri Lanka were) and defeated him (in the end) quite easily.


To sign off, loved Dhoni's quote when asked what next for him as captain - "I don't mind repeating everything"...way to go!

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