ODI WC: A lot at stake for Team India, BCCI

The ICC ODI World Cup, cricket’s grandest event, begins today at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The opening match features the defending champion, England, and the 2019 runners-up, New Zealand, promising an exhilarating contest. Over the coming weeks, the tournament will traverse diverse venues across India, culminating in the grand final in Ahmedabad on November 19.

However, the lead-up to what is typically India’s most significant sporting spectacle has been surprisingly low-key this time.

Several factors contribute to this uncharacteristic silence. India has been immersed in cricket since January of this year, with the Indian Premier League and bilateral series, leading to some fatigue among fans.

Additionally, the initial days of the World Cup coincide with the Asian Games, diverting attention away from cricket. Few topics have dominated conversations, aside from the initial debate surrounding the inclusion of veteran off-spinner R Ashwin in the squad.

Another shift in the cricketing landscape is the transfer of prominence from traditional cricketing hubs like Mumbai and Kolkata to Ahmedabad. This shift mirrors the evolving dynamics of Indian cricket, where commercial interests and political influence often intersect.

Unlike previous editions of the 50-over World Cup co-hosted with subcontinental neighbours in 1987, 1996, and 2011, this time, India stands as the sole host, with matches taking place in venues as diverse as Chennai and Dharamshala.

Over the years, cricket enthusiasts have held the belief that the host nation seldom emerges victorious in the World Cup. However, this myth was shattered in 2011 when M.S. Dhoni famously led India to victory in front of an ecstatic Wankhede Stadium crowd.

Subsequent tournaments in 2015 and 2019, won by Australia and England, respectively, demonstrated that the added pressures of hosting do not necessarily deter the home team from claiming the title. Now, Rohit Sharma’s team faces the formidable task of maintaining this trend.

Despite the gradual return of four key players from injuries—Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, K.L. Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer—the Indian squad appears strong. India’s traditional template of a powerful batting lineup, led by Rohit, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, remains relevant.

However, the bowlers, particularly the pace trio of Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj—could prove pivotal. The return of R. Ashwin, alongside the presence of Kuldeep Yadav, bolsters India’s spin department.

Nevertheless, other teams such as England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan have the potential to spring surprises and challenge the well-crafted plans of the host nation.

Cricket in India transcends being just a sport. It possesses the remarkable ability to heal wounds, unite people, and ignite nationalistic fervour. Cricket has evolved into something more profound than a mere game.

As the World Cup finally commences, emotions are set to shift. Cricket will permeate the streets, and discussions will flourish on every corner. This presents an opportune moment for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to address any lingering issues related to scheduling, changes, and ticketing.

The BCCI has pledged to enhance stadium facilities to make the tournament more memorable and enjoyable for fans. This World Cup will also serve as a showcase of the BCCI’s organizational prowess under the leadership of President Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah.

All stakeholders must ensure the seamless execution of the event; any mishaps could tarnish India’s organizational reputation, irrespective of whether India emerges as the tournament champion or not.