| Dare I say it, I am not a diehard cricket fan, but I love the hoopla which surrounds it. From the cheering/cursing fans, to broadcasting wranglers, to the match fixing controversies and, of course, its politics. Every four years, there comes a time when this cricket-obsessed country goes crazy. That time has now come with the World Cup starting on March 11. For the next seven weeks, billions of people will hold their breath and pray for Indian team to return with the big prize. Usually every World Cup has a team which is the overwhelming favourite. In 2007 though, there is an element of unpredictability which has made this World Cup anybody's game. Two-time defending champion Australia are struggling with injuries and with recent setbacks in results have lost some of their aura. South Africa have displaced them as the world's No.1 team but it is fair to say the South Africans have not been tested outside their own environment. The hosts, the West Indies are sentimental favourites but they will not enjoy the benefit of "home" conditions. Most of the grounds are new and no one knows how they will play. In 2003, I was fortunate to see India play in the semi-final and final of the World Cup in South Africa. It was an experience of extremes. Total joy at the Durban semi-final match against Kenya where India had a comfortable victory and reached the finals. Then, the depressing spectacle of witnessing the total slaughter of India by the Australian cricket machine. But they were matches to remember as India made it to the finals after a 20-year gap. India's progress to the final then was something of a surprise to all. The team's prospects today seem brighter as the side appears more balanced and settled than six months ago and they have had a good lead-up to the big event. There is a lot of World Cup talk around us and I like to think of our cover story this week as the intelligent fan's guide to the Cup. We have called in experts from around the world to give us their take on key aspects of the tournament. Former India captain and a member of the team of 1983, Sunil Gavaskar, who will be writing for us for the entirety of the tournament, gives us his inimitable view on the entire field of contenders. Ian Chappell, one of cricket's greatest leaders, focusses on the quality of captaincy that will be required to win the Cup and West Indian fast bowler Ian Bishop gives a local perspective on the conditions teams can expect. Plus, we have an interview with Sachin Tendulkar, India's most durable cricketer, who spoke to us extensively and exclusively about the World Cup experience and what it would take for India to win. Tendulkar believes it is momentum. Others believe it's about luck. We believe it's about time. Hold your breath. Index
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