Anil Dias speaks to young players in city's 'cricket nurseries' and finds out that Men in Blue are no longer their favourites this World Cup
Remember Dhoni's six against Sri Lanka to win India the 2011 World Cup? Yuvraj going ballistic, Yusuf Pathan carrying Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulder? Yes, on April 2, 2011, Mumbai was more than alive. One would also remember the streets of the city that night as spontaneous march of celebrations took over.
So it is natural to assume that this city stands steadfast in its support for India to retain the title — at least in its famous maidans — Shivaji Park and Azad. Surprisingly, it's not India, but South Africa that young cricketers, who dot the huge grounds with their white flannels, are putting their money on.
Ever since their participation in the 1992 ICC World Cup, South Africa have managed to produce a strong side, capable of winning the title. But somehow, the knockout-phase-phobia comes in the way. Be it D/L miscalculations, silly run-outs or brain freezes, SA have a bag-full of excuses. But this time, youngsters are banking on them to lose their 'chokers' tag.
"South Africa have a very balanced side and don't depend on a single player. All of them are capable of being match-winners on the particular day. They have AB de Villers, Hashim Amla and Faf du Plesis to get the runs. Their bowling attack isn't any less threatening. With Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, I don't think teams will find it easy to score against them," says Rohan Jadhav, a 26-year-old professional cricketer from Dharavi.
It isn't for anything that South Africa are tagged favourites. After all, they've won 12 out of the 19 games they have played in 2014 with a win percentage of 63.19. Compare that to India who have won only 14 from 24 games at a percentage on 58.33.
Isn't it surprising that defending champions aren't expected to retain their crown? That too in their own country? Vijay Shinde, who plays in the Kanga League Plate Division explains why he's not rooting for India and backs South Africa instead: "It's all right to have a young team when you're playing the T20 World Cup or the Indian Premier League (IPL), but the World Cup is at a different level altogether. Without experienced and big match players, you can't win. I think not selecting Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag is going to hurt India to some extent."
Moreover, India's morale shattering performance in the recent tri-series isn't doing any good for the confidence of its fans. And this sentiment resonates in the maidans of the city. So for now, as far as the maidans are concerned, the anthem is clear: This time for Africa.
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