Think of the Kotla, and you have to think of history, as much as of mighty cricketing feats. Anil Kumble’s 10/74 in 1999 against Pakistan remains the high water mark of these achievements, but Indians

With the full India squad gathering together ahead of the three-Test series against the West Indies, Friday’s focus was on getting a feel of conditions at the Kotla.

While the support staff, coach Du

Watched by 95,000 spectators, the inaugural Grand Prix of India might have been a Sebastian Vettel-led procession on track, but there was plenty of chest-thumping gloss all around.

Sunday’s inaugural running of the Grand Prix of India may prove to be something of a repeat often seen this season with world champion Sebastian Vettel starting the race in pole position (at the top of the order) even as the lone Indian in the fray will start last but one.

If you are a Formula One fan who has had to perforce be content with watching Grands Prix over the years on your television set, then, you ain’t seen (or heard) anything yet.

New teams, a fresh format, fast and furious action — cricket in India has barely had time to take a deep breath after the victorious World Cup campaign before it plunges headlong into the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League with defending champions Chennai Super Kings meeting 2010 wooden-spooners Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai on Friday.

Mark this day. And mark it well for it will forever be remembered as the one the World Cup came home again.
In muggy conditions, India rewrote history — a piece of which they had first scripted 28 years ago — capping a run that got better and better as the 2011 World Cup progressed.

Two teams. Two champions. Sachin and Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan. In the end, after sinew has been stretched and the will tested, one will prevail.
The moment of truth is here.

Having seen off Pakistan in a tense semi-final on Wednesday, India have had to immediately focus on the next job on hand in the long quest to repeat the World Cup victory of 1983.

India were calmness personified in making their way to a third World Cup final as they beat Pakistan by 29 runs at the PCA Stadium here on Wednesday. The hosts now take on fellow tournament holders Sri Lanka for the title at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.