Yuvraj toast amidst Rampaul blast
Here's a re-look at some crucial turning points and decisive moments in the ICC Cricket World Cup match between India and the West Indies.
By Shashank Kishore in ChennaiSachin 'walks the walk'
Sachin Tendulkar may not have made much of an impact on Sunday, but he certainly set the 'walking trend'. Unfortunately, the crowd was deprived of any 'Sachinisms', as the man walked off silently after edging one off Rampaul very early on.Thoughts went rushing back to Colombo, where we hope a Tasmanian was watching closely. That's how you walk, Mr Punter! Tendulkar has the most runs, most centuries, most ODIs, now maybe the most 'WALKS' as well!
Kohli's 'Dravidly' masterclass
Coming in at No. 3, Kohli lapped up any hint of pressure there may have been after Tendulkar's dismissal was greeted with a stunned silence. His versatality makes him an automatic choice. The innings not just delighted the spectators and team, but shut out any possibility of his place being questioned, given India's inclination to blood in Suresh Raina. Thankfully, there wasn't much room for debate due to Viru's injury. Definitely, one man's loss is another one's gain.
Yuvraj unleashed!
When Yuvraj starts off with a masterly cover drive, you know for sure that he is game for more! A slice of luck came his way when he was dropped on 'unlucky' 13. And then there was no looking back! He essayed a fine knock, 'Sober'ed with rasping drives, and 'Gower'ed with deft touches, before a 'Richards' like onslaught. A five-wicket haul, three fifties and now a century. Can the man put a foot wrong? He has certainly made his critics eat humble pie!
Power-play effect
The Nagpur fiasco was clearly on the Indian minds, as they approached the final stages of the innings. It was very inexplicable to reason out why the batting powerplay, which has wreaked havoc to a number of teams in the past, was delayed till the end. It was almost as if it was thrust on them.
Rampaul blitz
What a way to announce yourself on the big stage! With a five wicket haul on World Cup debut, the tall and lanky Ravi Rampaul more than made up for Keemar Roach's absence. His twin strikes at the top dented India right at the outset. However, his late order triple, including that of the lusty hitter Yusuf Pathan, made a difference of at least 25 runs to the Indian total.
'Short-sighted' Taufel
On another day, the decision may have come back to haunt Simon Taufel. A direct hit from Virat Kohli blasted into the stumps when the batsmen Kirk Edwards was at least a couple of inches short of the crease. Taufel, who normally trusts his instincts ruled it not-out, before the giant screen exposed his blatant error. Knowing the genius in Taufel, the Indians perhaps felt too shy to refer it upstairs!
Unconventional MSD
The probability of S. Sreesanth being promoted as a pinch hitter is higher than a certain Munaf Patel fielding at cover during the mandatory power-play. Well, not if you are MS Dhoni, who defies all logic. Fortunately sanity was restored the very next ball as Munaf was moved to fine leg.
Singh is King
When there is a banter involving the Indian team, you can rest assured that Harbhajan Singh will definitely revolve around it. If Pollard's celebrations when he dismissed Yuvraj Singh was anything to go by, Bhajji reminded his Mumbai Indians buddy about his trademark celebrations after picking up his wicket.
Calypso Kings to 'Collapso' Kings
One could almost sense the feeling of nervousness in the Indian camp when Devon Smith and Ramnaresh Sarwan put the West Indies in cruise control before the Caribbean boys self-exploded, losing their last eight wickets for 34 runs to give India a thumping win in the end.
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