Its time we bleed blue!!!

Is cricket a sport? May be 'yes' for the English or the Aussies or the Dutch but for the Indians its always a 'no'. Cricket is something more than a mere sport. I dare call it a religion or may be more than a religion. In this country with many diversities, there are very few things that bind us together and Cricket is one of the most prominent of them. The euphoria spread around this cricket maniac nation is of nobody's surprise as its team prepares itself to take on Srilanka in ICC World Cup final to be held at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium on April 2.

In less than 24 hours, India will start its battle with the Lankans to claim the World cricket championship. So what will be a better time than this to Bleed Blue? As I bleed blue, I have made an attempt to analyse the strengths of Indian team for tomorrow's match. Why don't you bleed blue by reading it?

As always, India's prime strength for tomorrow is its strong batting line-up. Its top order, studded with stars like Sachin, Viru and Ghambhir, never failed to make a strong beginning. Since Knock-outs, its middle order is well capitalising on the starts they have got. The biggest plus for India throughout this campaign is that situations are throwing up heroes for them. When middle order was looking very weak during the initial games, Yuvraj came up with good knocks in the middle order and even filled the slot of fifth bowler. During a very crucial game against WI, Kohli played a good innings and improved the team batting unit's confidence. During the vital quarters and semis matches, Raina stood up for his team. Against Pak in semis, Munaf and Nehra came up with extra-ordinary performances just when they are deadly needed. Bhajji found back his rhythm just before the crucial grand finale. When India had bowling worries, Ashwin stood up for his captain and this off spinner even opened the bowling attack. This Indian pack is a lot different from its previous teams. This team comes up with its ultimate under pressure unlike its predecessors that used to crumble under pressure.

There were many consistent performers from this team like Sachin, Viru, Yuvraj, Ghambhir, Dhoni and Zaheer. Sachin and Sehwag are giving India a flying start in every match. They intimidate every bowling attack they face and put up their team in a psychologically strong position. When ever Dhoni needs a wicket, Zak delivers it for him. He is one of the tournament's leading wicket taker and most of those wickets came under immense pressure. Yuvraj has turned to be India's genuine all rounder. He scores runs and picks up wickets. He has given his captain a flexibility to experiment on bowling attack and has been a consistent match winner. Dhoni is also consistent. Surprised? Folks, Dhoni has failed with the bat throughout the tournament although he is doing a satisfactory job with gloves. But as a captain, Dhoni is at his best. He is a tough cool captain who never looses his nerve or allows his team to panic.
Two players caught my attention in epic Indo-Pak semifinal clash. Munaf and Harbhajan. Yeah, even Nehra was good but he wont be available for finals. Munaf varied his length well on that day. In previous matches Munaf was pity predictable, he used to bowl at a bit back of the length and at a 120-125 kph case. But on that day he was a quite different bowler. He bowled at a pace near 137 kph and even crossed 140s few times. He mixed up his lengths very good and his line was precise. Harbhajan allowed the ball to turn and come up by bowling slower deliveries. Crucially, Bhajji looked like an intelligent bowler that he generally is.

One more important issue is India's fielding. They were electric on field. Kohli, Raina and Yuvraj are live wires on field. Looking at them, even the less athletic players are also putting up some extra effort to stop runs.

Confident top order, strong middle order, decent bowling attack and up-to mark fielding efforts. A great mix that has everything to win the championship. I dont find any reason to doubt India's victory chances. Do you?

So now cross your fingers and wait for the match to begin. And remember, please stand up in attention when the national anthem plays before the match.

So you think you haven't bled enough blue? Then bleed more blue by commenting :)