His first ton in this world cup helped India to win against Zimbabwe. Raina came good on a day when the middle order was under pressure playing against a determined Zimbabwean team. Inspite of Raina's stellar performance that won the match for India, the player of the day was certainly Taylor and the way he went on to build a strong total for his team, considering the circumstances under which he came in to bat, is commendable indeed.
Starting out as clear favourites, the balance tilted in favour of the Zimbabweans when Rehane was run out and Kohli walked back to the pavilion with a grim look on his face and a sense of despair as if to say "Well ! I could never get out like this." When it seemed that Indians were on a slippery wicket, the dropped catch gave a fresh lease of life to Raina and altered the fortunes in favour of India once again.
Due credit must be given to the Indian bowlers who have been able to contain the batsmen in all the matches they have played so far. In that sense, India is doing pretty well, inspite of opinions that each time India has won in the last six encounters, the opponent team was certainly not performing at their best. How a winning spree changes the outlook towards the victorious team in general, is clearly evident from the early reports which stated that the bowling was weak in contrast to the most recent reporting which speaks highly about India's bowling strength. Personally, I do feel that the bowling has improved considerably from the tri-series where our bowlers were hammered left, right and centre.
His strategy in bringing about the correct bowling changes as and when he deems right, has been effective so far and due credit goes to Dhoni who is as always very proactive on the field. He is cool, thinks differently and his natural instincts augur well for the team. Getting wickets in the middle overs is crucial and Dhoni has managed to motivate his bowlers to do just that.
Where teams like India seem to have an edge above the other teams, is that Dame Luck has a place in this incredible playing eleven. Fortune favours the brave, a valiant Dhoni is winning the tosses and has been able to motivate his bowlers to restrict the opponents to a score within 300 .
Our batting line up has talent and the depth. Six consecutive wins in a row has lifted the morale of the team in general.There is no reason why they do not stand a good chance to lift the cup again. They look to be favourites to progress to the semifinals. Indians are certainly playing like champions. Storming away to possible glory, winning has become a habit and, ofcourse not ! we the Bleeding Blue Fans do not want them to give it away...
For the moment though, not yet in a mood to celebrate, as a patriotic fan, calm and composed, I will wait. I count the six chickens that have already hatched and I keep my fingers crossed.....
