One can safely assume that Indian cricketers are quite used to playing under pressure. After all, as TV channels remind us regularly, they are always carrying the 'expectations of a billion people'. If that's not pressure enough, we are constantly reminded of the fact that 28 years after the epic triumph of David over Goliath in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, India has another chance at ultimate glory.
We have 'Good Luck' campaigns underway, Mandira Bedi is back, reminding us of the seriousness of the event, and what's best this time (or worst, depending on how you look at it) is that India is playing at home. So that means, playing before a packed stadium that will cheer every ball, every shot. That means playing when you know a billion people are constantly monitoring every over. That means playing at a time when it's possible the Lok Sabha will discuss the performance of the team. If the Lok Sabha is functioning this session, that is.
India go into the World Cup as clear favourites and history shows that Team India play well when they go in as 'underdogs' in a tournament. Why? Because that means less pressure is foisted on them. Nobody really expects them to do well, so they can just go out and play their game without the perilous load of expectations hanging to them.
The upcoming World Cup is likely to be Sachin Tendulkar's final World Cup
There's an extra element of pressure this time around: ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is, in all probability, Sachin Tendulkar's last World Cup. M.S Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir have both spoken about winning the World Cup for the legendary cricketer as a farewell gift of sorts. While the thought is no doubt noble, I asked myself why on earth the Indian team would pile up more pressure on itself!
Now it's not enough that they play exceedingly well since they are 'carrying the hopes of a billion people' and repeat the feat of Kapil's Devils, they also have to present the ultimate gift to a man who has come to define Indian cricket. If pressure on a sporting team could be measured, this one would make it to the Guinness Book of World Records.
I sincerely hope that the Indian team is able to just go out and play their game, temporarily forgetting the pressure they're under though that is definitely easier said than done. I would also recommend that they not read this post, which serves as a compilation of the overwhelming expectations on this team. Anyway, here's hoping for a wonderful world cup for all cricket fans, especially the ones in India!
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