Dileep Premachandran

They pulverised India on tours here, but the home fans loved them regardless because of the way they played the game

The latest rule changes in ODIs are unlikely to inject excitement into the format. How well the Powerplay tweaks work will depend on a team's strength, and two new balls will handicap plenty of bowlers

It's easy to dismiss him as not being a Test player, but what if none of the upcoming players the system is producing are?

As India kick off their Test series in the West Indies, a look back at a few cautionary tales from the past

In days gone by, Indian sides went to West Indies with fear and trembling. Today's West Indian players would do well to look to the current crop of Indians as role models

When a player makes an impact in the IPL, it's no guarantee he's one for the future

The issue of loyalty is not as straightforward in cricket as in football and American sport. Ultimately it's about the players getting just reward for their talent

Some said the World Cup success would increase the fans' appetite for the IPL. That seems optimistic

Few Indian cricketers have polarised the fans like Sourav Ganguly, evoking love and hate in near equal measure. The IPL's snub will do little to change that

He's the only one today who matches up to Lillee, Thommo, Maco, Wasim, Waqar and the other fast-bowling greats of the past

Charting the highs and lows, the changing roles and the changing game of the Indian legend since century No. 25

Despite his problems in Tests, Yuvraj Singh is an integral part of India's World Cup XI, while Munaf Patel would make an ideal third seam option

New Zealand have rarely challenged India in India. This tour is unlikely to change that

What would a team made of players from the side's three most successful eras look like?

Over the years, Australia's tours to India have changed in character: they've become more frequent, players have grown accustomed to the conditions, and the rivalry has intensified

For the Champions League to gain the sort of profile its football counterpart enjoys, the fans need to feel connected to their players. The current format disallows that

If a cricketer plays four series of three Tests and three ODIs each, a month more of limited-overs, the IPL, the Champions League, and a World Cup in a year, he could still have 12 weeks off

Murali was top of the world on the field and classy off it

Who is cricket run for - advertisers, television companies, franchisees? Is anyone thinking of the players and the fans?

Six survivors from India's 2003 World Cup campaign are likely to play in the 2011 edition. And going by the younger talent at hand, the nation's hopes will rest on these six