India hold too many aces for Kenya's comfort

The toss has played an important role in a few games in this World Cup, especially in the day/night encounters. But at Durban on Thursday, I do not expect the Indian batsmen to struggle, even if they are to bat second under lights. With the kind of form Sachin Tendulkar and the rest of the batsmen are in, this game should be a cakewalk for them.

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Theoretically, Kenya has a chance, as any team going into a game would. But it will take a really shoddy performance from India if they are to lose to Steve Tikolo's men. That said, Kenya has done really well to become the first non-Test playing nation to get to the semifinal. They have played with a lot of passion, and above all fielded brilliantly in this tournament.

But when it comes to their bowling, I cannot sadly be as effusive in my praise. I feel that the weak Kenyan bowling will struggle to hold their own against power-packed Indian-batting line-up and that means the result of the contest is more or less decided. Martin Suji can pose a few problems to the toporder batsmen, but with Tendulkar at his marauding best, I wouldn't be surprised if he goes after Suji in the initial overs. Collins Obuya, whose performances have come under the spotlight after the early departure of Shane Warne, would also finding the going tough. Ganguly, in particular, will be one man who would looking to feast on his leg-spinners.

In the previous game against Kenya, India showed signs of complacency. I am sure that they will be a lot more focused at Durban, and they would come out and play their natural game. It is important that someone like Virender Sehwag gets his confidence back ahead of a big final against Australia.

One player who deserves special mention is Mohammad Kaif; he seems to be relishing the extra responsibility of batting higher up in the order. After all the struggle in the initial phase of this World Cup, it must be a big relief for him and the whole country that Kaif is back to his best.

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On a personal note, it is quite sad to see someone like Aravinda de Silva retiring from the game. He has done so well for Sri Lanka over the years, and it could have only been befitting if he were to have retired after a big World Cup final. Looking back at the first semifinal, I think there are lessons in it for the Indians too. Sri Lanka were well in control in the first half of the game when they bowled superbly to restrict Australia. But I think Jayasuriya started to get things wrong towards the end of the Australian innings; bowling Gunaratne in the 49th over was asking for punishment.

When it came to the chase, they did not look like a team that had any plan at all. And after Brett Lee bowled the delivery of this tournament so far to dismiss Marvan Atapattu, Australia took control of the game.

The Australians are a professional side, and India will have to be well prepared to take on the best side in world cricket today. The game against Kenya, then, is a very good opportunity to try out a few things. Maybe a promotion in the batting order for Yuvraj Singh is one way to go about it, for that boy is a genuine match-winner.

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