THE QUEST BEGINS

London

His batting conquests are already a stuff of legends and a World Cup victory will be like the ‘Kohinoor’ in ‘King’ Virat Kohli’s crown.

His tunnel vision quest for the crowning glory will be littered with many hurdles – which may come in the garb of Steve Smith and David Warner, the Australians who have been longing for a career resurrection for more than 12 months now.

And then there is Irishman Eoin Morgan leading the England team, as he seeks to end a ‘44-year-old English itch’ — no WC victory since 1975 — backed by a team packed with talent and ambition like never before.

During the next six-and-half weeks, 10 countries will play against each other for cricket’s most coveted crown and the battle will begin with a clash between England and South Africa tomorrow.

A minimum of five victories will be required to qualify for the semifinals and that will be the primary aim of the teams.

While India, England and Australia headline the event, a disciplined New Zealand, the mavericks from Pakistan and the flamboyant West Indies are well capable of winning the title.

On batting belters, it will be the potent bowling attacks that will hold the key. Jasprit Bumrah and talented wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are expected to play pivotal roles in India’s campaign.

The batting line-up is one of the most formidable with Kohli leading from the front, Rohit Sharma providing the zing and Hardik Pandya the flamboyance.

The Indian team would strive to make it a memorable World Cup swansong for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who will be playing his fourth and final mega event.

The middle-order does have some issues but India are firmly in contention and a semifinal slot is there for the taking.