Like a good Bollywood film, nerves were taut during parts of the chase, but as in any true flick, it all ends with the hero taking the plaudits. This was the team’s 17^th. successive, successful chase in ODIs – a stupendous record by any standards.

I do not have words to describe the sheer magnificence of Dravid’s batting ( Archives – Captain and deputy … April 19). This man is, without doubt, the most consistent batsman in world cricket. Most important of all, he has the ability to rise to the occasion regularly. This is always the hallmark of a champion player. While others have hemmed and hawed, he has repeatedly grabbed the gauntlet and won the challenge every time- whether it was keeping wickets, assuming captaincy, rebuilding a team of young players or bailing the team out time and again.

Chasing 252 for victory, Rahul struck a controlled hundred (105 off 103 balls) today to make victory possible. He finds the boundaries and gaps with such ease, it must be embarrassing for other batsmen! He surely makes them look bad! It is hard to imagine that his position in the ODI team was questioned not so long ago!

Anyway, we got to 254 with 1 ball to spare. Kaif returned to form with an unbeaten 66. Raina and Dhoni played valuable cameos.

Bhajji and Agarkar bowled well. Munaf was okay while RP and Pathan were poor. Earlier, Gayle had taken the bowlers to the cleaners in scoring a blistering 123.

India is a more talented side and should win the ODI series. West Indies will be revitalized by Lara’s return as captain and will lift their performance. The matches will be close, but I have no doubt India will win. I have no concerns about the batting – that is a well-oiled machine now – something you would expect from a team coached by Greg Chappell. All the batsmen are in good form. Raina looks the genuine article, Kaif is showing signs of returning to form, Yuvraj is in great nick and Dhoni is, well, Dhoni.

I am not happy with the bowling. We cannot win the World Cup with the bowlers bowling like this. I would play 4 bowlers which leaves no margin for error. Apart from Bhajji and Powar, the other bowlers have not been consistent. Irfan had an off day today and I am not worried about him. Regular readers know that I favor Munaf over Sreesanth and RP. RP is far from ready and better suited to the longer version in my opinion - certainly not a long term ODI prospect. I have half an eye on a certain Zaheer Khan who is doing well in county cricket, but remain to be convinced. We have seen more than one ‘comeback’ that has flattered, only to deceive.

Anyway, I am not going to quibble too much after victory. Well done, boys. See you in two days.