They would want it on their CVs

Memonics

I may be sticking my neck out here, but is this the last World Cup in which Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly could be playing? None of them are 36 or 37 — like Lara, Inzy or McGrath for instance — but, for various reasons, they may not be around four years later.

Tendulkar’s creaking body has been complaining of overwork for some time, Ganguly’s form can waver dramatically over a period of time and Dravid - as he has indicated occasionally — may just decide to move on in life from cricket.

All three of them would obviously dearly want to win the World Cup, which is why I believe we could be in for some crackling performances from these wonderful batters. But even more significant to India’s fortunes, according to me, will be the influence they wield in the dressing room.

For almost a dozen years (Tendulkar closer to 20), these guys have made phenomenal contribution to Indian cricket. Their batting records stand scrutiny with the best, all three have led the side at one time or another, but being part of a World Cup winning side has eluded them.

Dravid was the highest run-getter in the 1999 tournament, Tendulkar made the most runs in 2003, and Ganguly was captain and made three centuries in India’s spectacular march to the final in the previous tournament before they were stopped by Australia.

There is nothing more gratifying on a cricketer’s Life CV than being part of a side that wins the sport’s premier tournament. For instance, Steve Waugh — who was involved two triumphs, one as player and another as captain — finds himself nominated as captain of the best Australian one-day side ever.

The irony of this will hardly be lost on Greg Chappell, easily a better player than Waugh, who has been nominated 12th man to the same team. Or indeed Tendulkar, Dravid and Ganguly.