If I were to brag about the most exciting and defining moments of India's proud and enriching sporting past, like any other Indian, I too would choose from this willow game. May be I deserve to owe an apology to the magical Dhayanchand and Co, Sprint Queen P.T.Usha and the ever growing Saina Nehwal. Such was the domination of those willow game winning moments in our hearts ever since the magical 1983 world cup victory.

Slow and steadied progress since 1975 resulted in a victorious Indian Team in 1983. The elevated energy level was indeed visible during the 1985 World Series. If 1983 world cup victory was icing on the cake, the 1985 world series victory was indeed a cherry on the ice top. There was not really a magical strategy other than an all round performance. People who knew to bat could bowl okay and people who could bowl well could throw their bats. There were not many tail enders in the team. Almost everyone could bat, bowl and field. Not surprisingly then,this game began to get several followers, critics and above all each country men had their own strategies for the team. 

Team rebuilding was the key issue observed in the next two world cup events. 1987 world Cup team Semi final loss followed by a poor 1992 world cup performance had a lot to owe to a lack of team spirit and winning strategy. 

However, 1992 World cup introduced a new Cricketing Legend called Sachin Tendulkar.

1996 world cup team looked very good on and off the field. Winning strategy was very much alive until one bad dinner break hit the hearts of all the cricket crazy fans. Couple of loose shots and the ever notorious second innings glory at Eden Gardens during that not so epic Semi final match stood against to our teams's winning strategy. The manner in which the semi final ended was the only low key moment in the history of world cup cricket. Full credit to the Sri Lankan team for their new winning strategy. No wonder why they went on to win the Cup.

1999 world cup had new set of Super Six rules and point distribution system. The team strategy and the new rule set of mathematics did not go well. Individual records were intact though. 

One year later cricket was hit by its worst ever controversy and 1999 world cup debacle was no more an issue then. 

The team management got new stars for the next world cup in 2003. A winning combination, new team coach, passionate captain. The team did reach the final. India managed to win the toss but the opponents had their own winning strategy. Ricky Ponting had his cup of boost early in the day to score one of the finest knocks in the history of world cup finals.It was India Vs Ricky Ponting that day. A new found spirit, attitude and passion were all reborn.

After a shocking exit in 2007, players felt the need of regrouping, playing well, and be prepared for the next world cup. Yes, the 2011 world cup.

Available resources to build a strategy : A new captain cool, a new compassionate and tough coach, good mix of swing and spin bowling unit, legends to bat, world number 2 ranking and 1.2 billion unit of prayers.

What should be that strategy?

There could be three different strategies that could be employed during this world cup looking at the bench strength we have got.

1. Safe game strategy against higher ranked teams Strategy
2. Explosive strategy against lower ranked teams
3. History based strategy
=========================================================================
1. Safe game strategy against higher ranked teams Strategy
=========================================================================
7 batsmen, 1 pinch hitter cum bowler plus three bowlers will be the proportion of the team in this strategy. The following table illustrates the so called Safe Game strategy. This could be implemented during important league and knock out matches. 

A lot will depend upon how the middle order bowling department is handled here. Yuvraj, Pathan,Schewag and Sachin can be effectively used. If some of them click during the league phase of the tournament, this strategy can be continued. I would strongly recommend this strategy for at least 80% of the league games and some of the knock out games.

1. Sachin ( Opener ) (2 overs max ) ( Slip/Out Field )

2. Schewag ( Opener ) (4 overs max ) ( Out Field )

3. Gambhir ( 1st down ) ( Nil ) ( Out Field )

4. Kholi ( 2nd down ) ( Nil ) ( Point or mid wicket )

5. Yuvraj ( 3rd Down ) (7 overs max ) ( Mid wicket or Point )

6. Dhoni ( 4th Down ) ( Nil ) ( WicketKeeping )

7. Pathan ( 5th Down ) (7 overs max ) ( Out Field )

8. Harbhajan( 6th Down )(10 overs max)

9. Zaheer (7th Down ) (10 overs max) 

10. Sreesanth (8th Down) (10 overs max ) 

11. Munaf (9th Down) (10 overs max ) 

=========================================================================
2. Explosive strategy against lower ranked teams
=========================================================================

The proportion here would be 8 batsmen, 1 pich hitter cum specialist bowler plus 2 more specialist bowlers. Definitely worth trying in the final if we win the toss and bat first. Mind you, Mumbai pitch is not so famous for second innings batting.

The following table illustrates the so called Safe Game strategy.

1. Sachin ( Opener ) (2 overs max ) ( Slip/Out Field )

2. Schewag ( Opener ) (4 overs max ) ( Out Field )

3. Gambhir ( 1st down ) ( Nil ) ( Out Field )

4. Kholi ( 2nd down ) ( Nil ) ( Point or mid wicket )

5. Yuvraj ( 3rd Down ) (7 overs max ) ( Mid wicket or Point )

6. Dhoni ( 4th Down ) ( Nil ) ( WicketKeeping )

7. Raina ( 5th Down ) (7 overs max ) ( Out Field )

8. Pathan ( 6th Down ) (7 overs max)

9. Harbhajan (7th Down) (10 overs max)

10. Zaheer (8th Down )(10 overs max) 

11. Sreesanth (9th Down)(10 overs max ) 


=========================================================================
3. History based strategy
=========================================================================
This is something that any team management would be worried about. Factors that will influence the strategy include the following. Final team selection will depend a lot on these factors. Such a strategy may be used only during the league games.

****** Pitch information
****** Weather forecast
****** Previous win/loss record in that venue
****** Specific Player's favorite hunting ground

I conclude my strategy presentation here. I wish each and every player and support staff all the very best. Go India Go!!!

I have also started a community to spread this true winning spirit.
http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Community?rl=cpn&cmm=107406520

Best wishes!!
kind regards

A true Indian