Ever since the away series against Australia in February, 2008, the Indian ODI team has gone from strength to strength notching up series wins, both home and away. Captain Mahender Singh Dhoni in perfect partnership with the Kirsten-Upton duo has transformed the work ethic of the national team. Bad fielding, poor chasing records, low fitness standards and under-strength pace attack are all things of the past. The current crop of players is a picture of fearless flamboyance and headstrong attitude. The meteoric rise of individuals like Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh combined with a host of IPL pass outs has strengthened the squad. Kirsten has lent his characteristic composure to the youngsters and seniors alike.

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar has assumed the role of the batting mainstay with the openers as the aggressors and Yuvraj Singh as the impetus. Skipper Mahender Singh Dhoni and recently recalled Rahul Dravid render enough solidity to negotiate bowling attacks of the world. This core of the batting allows players like Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik to opt for uninhibited strokeplay and game-changing cameos. Teams like Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka are worthy foes hell bent on giving India no breathing space on the ODI roster. Australia specifically, are hurting under their recent downfall but they are showing signs of resurgence as seen in their recent triumph over England. South Africa have been the most consistent team over the last few years and Sri Lanka are riding on momentum .The upcoming Champions trophy in South Africa will be the tournament that will answer the question of ODI supremacy.

The Indian team however is coming out of a long break which could either result in rejuvenated minds or rusty frames. Form and team balance, however, clearly point to India as strong contenders of the upcoming tournament or as they would say in the old days – the mini world cup.

By Prateek Kapil