Every four years the cricketing nations of this troubled world come together in a joyful celebration of the game. Supporters cross their fingers and hope their team somehow can prevail for then laughter will fill the streets and pride will swell in the heart. Players realise that all cricketing eyes are upon them and strive for the sporting version of immortality. Followers of the game can still remember Clive Lloyd's awesome century in the first final at Lords' in 1975 and the sight of Australia's great fast bowlers running up and down the pitch in those last, chaotic moments.

Since then the Cup has enjoyed many extraordinary days with underdogs from India and Sri Lanka lifting the trophy and South Africa somehow losing when it seemed easier to win. Nothing can be taken for granted in these tournaments. No team can arrive with the swagger of a Roman army because an awful lot can happen in 50 overs and the most powerful outfit can be defeated by the brilliance of an individual. Likewise the strong can suffer a bad day and a struggling side can find a source of inspiration that carries it through the competition as if on the crest of a wave. This is the beauty of one-day cricket. It has so many moving parts.

Those present will forever recall the final played in Calcutta in 1987 as the Australians unexpectedly romped home, with Steve Waugh and David Boon playing well and Allan Border carrying the prized cup around Eden Gardens. It was a bedlamatic night of colour, noise and camaraderie as a glorious ground put aside its disappointment at the failure of its heroes to cheer the victors from afar. As far as World Cups go, this was the greatest night of them all, though the tied semi-final in Birmingham between the Aussies and Proteas last time around was the most memorable match. Here was a tale of  countries,  peoples, teams and captains, a tale of sorrow and smiles and all of it depending upon that third last ball, with the game's mightiest hitter on strike and a single run needed. Alas a man cannot have his time over again. South Africa was a cool head away from the greatest victory in its history and yet endured its most painful sporting moment. And Hansie Cronje's team did not even lose.

Now comes the next episode of this captivating story. Despite the hot favouritism bestowed upon Australia and South Africa, the strength and confidence of their players and the recent demolition of opponents their success remains in the lap of the Gods. Every side that reaches the second round has a chance because the batsmen will have had a month to acclimatize themselves and the bowlers will have found their length. Once the contestants have been reduced to six the tournament will start again and every country will feel that failure has been avoided and that triumph can be pursued without fear. Pakistan and Australia scraped into the latter stages of their most recent wins, threw away the devil sitting upon their shoulders and started playing like men whose minds had been freed.

Provided she survives the early stages, India can hope to lift the coveted trophy a second time. Sourav Ganguly and his men will be so relieved to reach the last six from a tough group that all cares will be put aside and the runs will flow. Of course they might not make it, in which case tears will flow amongst players and supporters alike. Around the world, India is respected more than long-suffering supporters might imagine. After the endless collapses in New Zealand, supporters have more or less given up the ghost. From a distance the position is not quite so gloomy. Ganguly and his players will surely be inspired by the crowds in Durban, where Gandhi spent some of his time in those formative years when he was experiencing for himself the ways of the world.

Moreover, India has some dangerous batsmen capable of alarming any opponent. Virender Sehwag can attack from the opening over whilst Sachin Tendulkar remains a mighty force. Dare India put these men together at the top? By and large balance is needed in a partnership and a batting order. On the other hand there is the old saying about throwing caution to the wind. India must try something to freshen its team. Tendulkar is not playing well because his back foot does not move into line with the ball, a weak point on seaming pitches. His attacking game is intact though and history awaits him. Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards dominated in their time but Sunil Gavaskar was not as formidable. Sachin has the strength of body and now must search his mind for the sense of power required to obliterate opponents. Perhaps he is too polite.

Every serious contender will be praying that luck and form help them in the first few weeks of this tournament. After that it will be a matter of every man for himself. My guess is that India will either fall at the first hurdle or the last, a view founded upon a belief that the Indians are either very good or pretty awful.