...And you thought that with the legendary Greg Chappell at the helm, Dravid's devils have it in them to conquer the world at the 2007 edition of World Cup cricket at West Indies.
Think again. "India does not stand a chance" (in the next edition). This is what Dr Lenny K Saith, minister of public administration and information, Trinidad, West Indies, had to say.
The observation may sound either "devastatingly frank" or scurrilous - depends on your perception - but the Trinidad minister, looking every inch a seasoned cricket buff, didn't mince words when it came to some real, plane cricket-talk.
"They (India) have an outside chance," he said, adding, "To me the Aussies and England look the real winners." "(The) Aussie domination will continue."
An avid cricket lover, Saith was in Hyderabad to attend the PBD 2006.
He was enthusiasm personified at the mention of cricket, which used to be a religion in the West Indies of yore when Gavaskar was milking them and Lloyd was winning matches as if it was some plain fun.
The majority of followers of this religion are based in India now.
{{/usCountry}}The majority of followers of this religion are based in India now.
{{/usCountry}}Saith comes from a place which has produced one of the most wonderful batsmen in the game's history — Brian Charles Lara was born in Cantaro, Santa Cruz, Trinidad and Tobago. His country continues to produce world class cricketers.
When Saith's attention was drawn to the two best batsmen of our times and probably of all times - Sachin or Lara, who is the best? "Both are the best," pat came the reply.
The questioner persisted - What about the classification…Sachin is the best batsman of our generation, and Lara a better Test player?
The old-man-turned-young-cricket-lover smiled and then said, "Hmm… I don't go into this sort of perception. Both are good and have a unique style of batting. They have to carry huge burden on their shoulders, especially the former who comes from the second most populated country."
"The next World Cup will be the litmus list for both. For Lara, it's obviously for different reasons," he said, and added, "Trinidad though will be a home-ground for Indians." "So, Indians will enjoy there," the straight-talker walked away, probably trying to avoid displeasing this nation.