Like I said in my first column, the team does look well-balanced, and peaking at the right time. Victories over the Netherlands, and then over hosts, the West Indies, have proved that and have boosted our confidence and morale, putting us in a proper frame of mind for the big task ahead.

The two convincing victories also underline the fact that the team has drawn on the confidence they got in the recent series played at home just before their departure.

In the first match they were the highest scorers among the competitors for the Cup who played in first round of practice or warm-up matches, and in the second they dismissed the hosts for a rather paltry total.

These victories are good, because while they might not have had showed up in strategy and otherwise Team India’s objectives, an early loss in a tournament like this could start a slide that is often difficult to control in the latter stages. However, do not get swayed by the easy win over the hosts, because they can always hit back.

We are acclimatizing fast, with the only hitch being Virender Sehwag’s not being able to get over his bad patch. His not getting runs seems to stem from some sort of confusion in him. I don’t think he should change his approach to the job or his attitude for that matter. And, please, too much advice from all corners can confuse anybody, why blame Sehwag.

The fact is that we must have somebody up the in the opening slot, with Sourav Ganguly, who can put up as many runs on the board in the first 15-20 overs.

... contd.