Eat Cricket , Sleep Cricket ....

...and play what ? gilli-danda ? After days of speculation and hoopla surrounding it, India finally bow out of the 2007 WC tourney, unless Bermuda pull off a stunner against Bangladesh. The least spoken, the better ( why this postmortem then? ) Pakistan's knock-out from this ninth edition set a tone, so annoying. If Woolmer's murder was panicky, India's derogatory performance further aggravated the wounds. All this jolting World Cricket.

After much hype on who-meets-who, with trade pundits, cricket buffs, ex-players, and fans awaiting an Indo-Pak clash midway, the former champs have come down crashing, as a bunch of chokers who never seemed to find the right nerve in making themselves count. While Pak's ouster can be accredited to their over-the-board commitments over the past many months -- leading to a serious burn out, India's was more of a self-inflicted one.

For starters, Bangladesh and Ireland have scripted two major upsets, in the process finding themselves on the same board with the big wigs. No half measures in estimating their capabilities. Even if they lose, which seems inevitable; their efforts will be appreciated and victories cherished back home. The 'big guys' acknowledge their potential.

Going a step further in analyzing our boys.. no excuse ! We are dumb struck back home. Team India is well aware of the Storm awaiting them. A Tornado in the offing. No one shall be spared, by media and public alike.

Selectors selectors... What was Sehwag doing in his gear ? Where did Powar lose his ground ? What was the 'Turbunator' upto ? Why is 'Jumbo' (aka Kumble) always under utilised ? Any explanations for omitting the names -- Kaif, Raina, R.P.Singh et al ? How will the BCCI plan a face off ?

A serious trade-off not surviving the test of times, drained one and all of self-belief. Mr.Chappell cannot be blamed. If the boys failed, why is he held responsible? We pity his fate in the weeks to come.

Strangely this WC has ended some of the most illustrious careers. 'Inzy' would fast want to forget his abrupt exit. Sourav, Rahul, Kumble and Sachin will bid adieu to WC. The later wants to sneak into the next addition.( why?) Cricket has lost one of the most expedient coaches of all time- Bob Richard Woolmer.

All this, neither impressive nor memorable. But the game must go on. From the Super 8... 5 actually, whom can we bet on ? SL, SA, NZ and WI are at helm. Aussies stand out. Eng have their worries. Banglas & Irish -- still a flash in the pan...

Those who were responsible for the calamity will taste it bad hereon... one's on the benches won't mourn losing a berth. They will have the last laugh....

Calls for a new coach, captain and a refurbished Team India round the corner. Isn't it time for a make-over ?