WILL ROHIT LIFT THE CUP TOMORROW? (expert views)

The whole country is looking forward to the World Cup final tomorrow in Ahmedabad.

The reason simple. India’s most confident cricket team is playing the Finals, with high hopes of bringing the trophy to the nation for the third time.

India is taking on five time champions Australia but people are confident India will be able to win over their fancied rivals.

While India’s ride through WC has been smooth and easy, Australia had to struggle to get into the semifinal stage. But for the heroic and unbelievable performance of Maxwell in the last match of the league, the former champions would have been out.

However, the Aussies put up a good show in the SF against SA, winning the low scoring thriller.

The final tomorrow at the Narendra Modi Stadium is likely to be run feast for the spectators, if the pitch maintains its character. India’s most players are in form, from Rohit, Gill, Shreyas, Virat, Rahul to Suryakumar. The pace battery, led by Bumrah and Shami, is menacing and effective. Spin seems to be weak but one does not know if Jadeja and Kuldeep will play havoc if they get a helpful pitch.

The Australian attack, by pacers and spinners, was effective in Kolkata when there was an overcast sky. Will they be able to repeat it, especially against the hosts’ strong batting line-up? May be difficult.

The real question is will Rohit Sharma become the 3rd Indian captain to win the World Cup and repeat the feat only Kapil Dev and Dhoni could achieve so far. Rohit is neither Dhoni or Kapil in temperament, shrewdness and skills. However, he is cooler than most current players and is also blessed with the support of a wonderful and inform players.

I wish Rohit lift the Cup tomorrow in front of a lakh spectators, most probably including the PM, who is lucky to have a stadium in his name and the World Cup final match when he is in power.