Twelve years have elapsed since India’s triumphant World Cup night in Mumbai, a spectacle etched in memory with MS Dhoni’s iconic six and Sachin Tendulkar’s triumphant lift by teammates. The current crescendo of expectation, on the eve of this year’s final against Australia, surpasses that euphoric night. The five-time champions, unexpectedly cast as underdogs, find themselves amidst a fervor reaching delirious heights.
The Motera road leading to the Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed a sea of locals, exuberantly cheering, horns blaring, and a vigilant police presence maintaining order. Inside the sanctum of the stadium, where a raucous six-figure crowd is anticipated, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli dominate the chatter, their names adorning replica shirts.
The question of whose name should precede the other on this grand stage remains elusive. Sharma and Kohli, distinct in style, temperament, and appearance, share a common aspiration—to secure a third World Cup title for India. The captaincy transitioned from Kohli to Sharma in 2021, despite the former being senior by about 18 months. The disparity in roles, Kohli’s leadership, and Sharma’s impactful batting, creates a nuanced dynamic.
Despite Kohli’s stature as the leading man in terms of records and media profile, Sharma’s influence has been profound. At 36, Sharma, known as “the Hitman,” defies age, shifting gears aggressively during powerplays, setting the stage for his teammates. His 550 runs at a strike-rate of 126 have been instrumental, allowing Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul to capitalize.
Rahul Dravid’s influence on Sharma’s aggressive role has been pivotal, transforming him into an opening batsman who lays a relentless tone. In the semi-final against New Zealand, Sharma’s impactful 47 from 29 balls, while numerically eclipsed by centuries from Kohli and Iyer, stood out as a testament to his transformed approach.
As India’s relentless bowling trio—Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja—captures attention, the batting duo of Sharma and Kohli epitomizes the team’s strength. The duo’s partnership, akin to Hollywood poster tactics, reflects a balanced coexistence. The evolving narrative adds layers to the cricketing spectacle poised to unfold.
Pat Cummins and the Australian team, having won eight consecutive games, face an uphill battle in front of an overwhelmingly pro-India crowd. Cummins acknowledges the one-sided support but expresses determination to silence the crowd—a challenging prospect in the likely packed MCG atmosphere.
The clash between Sharma and Cummins, whose side successfully silenced the Narendra Modi Stadium during their previous encounter, forms a subplot in this riveting cricketing drama. With emotions running high, Sharma emphasizes the need for calmness amid the enormity of the occasion, echoing a sentiment shared by the entire team.
As India and Australia gear up for this cricketing spectacle, the focus remains not only on the magnitude of the occasion but also on the interplay of characters—Kohli, Sharma, Cummins, and others—set to script the final chapter of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
