VIP fans throw their weight behind India

JOHANNESBURG, March 3 AFP - Among the millions of cricket enthusiasts following the progress of Sourav Ganguly's Indian team at the World Cup, the identity of two caught even the players by surprise.

India's deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishan Advani and army chief General Nirmal Vij were the first to call Ganguly's team after the six-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan at centurion last Saturday.

Advani spoke to team manager Jyoti Bajpai on the phone from New Delhi and later made separate calls to Ganguly and man-of-the-match Sachin Tendulkar who hit 98 off 75 balls to lead India's charge of Pakistan's 7-273.

General Vij asked Bajpai to convey his congratulations to the entire 15-man squad, a team official said.

"The boys were mighty proud when they were told that the Deputy Prime Minister and Army Chief had called," the official said.

"Both congratulated the team and then asked them to keep up the good work."

The Indians have received thousands of calls since Saturday from fans around the world for maintaining their unbeaten streak against Pakistan at the World Cup.

"We have only made it to the Super Sixes. Wonder what awaits us if we win the World Cup?" the official said.

Seamer Javagal Srinath and Tendulkar are the only players in the current team who have featured in all World Cup wins against Pakistan in 1992, 1996, 1999 and now.

"It's a terrific feeling, but we have a lot of hard work ahead in the tournament," said Srinath, looking forward to the start of the Super Sixes on Friday.

The Indians, whose only loss in the league came against Australia, will carry forward eight points into the Super Sixes - four gained against the third-placed qualifier and four more from the non-qualifiers.

Their opponents for the three matches in the Super Sixes will be known only on Tuesday when the Group B league ends.

Kenya are the only ones from the other group assured of a place in the next round, while Sri Lanka, South Africa and New Zealand battle for the two remaining spots.

India will play the second-placed team from Group B in their first Super Sixes match under the Newlands lights at Cape Town on Friday.

They then clash with group B winner at the Wanderers on March 10 before returning to SuperSport Park in Centurion for the last match against the third team from Group B on March 15.

It will be India's third game in Centurion, having lost to Australia there on February 15 before defeating Pakistan on Saturday.