The World Cup is the showpiece of any sport. As such, the onus is on the governing authorities of the sport to ensure that the property is not devalued by low-key performances owing to injuries. FIFA, for instance, had imposed a one-month ban on matches prior to the World Cup finals. The intention was to help players recover from a long season and be fresh for the most-watched tournament. It is another matter that players who were expected to dominate the World Cup, flopped due to fatigue factor.

On its part, the ICC could perhaps initiate similar steps that will help players perform to potential at the World Cup. The international cricket calendar is getting crowded with each passing season. The teams jet around the globe playing far too many matches, most of which are quickly forgotten. It is getting almost impossible to recall team or individual performances, for such has been the pace.

In the event, the game has suffered from dilution and the next month’s World Cup might not witness high quality performances on a consistent basis. The wear and tear to the body and mind due to constant travel and playing are factors that cannot be glossed over by the need to rake in millions of dollars from television rights. Thus, it has become imperative that the ICC insists on slowing down the pace in the year of the World Cup.

Injuries will have a decisive say in the outcome of the competition. The point is that players have to nurse themselves for nearly two months of which 47 days are set aside for the World Cup matches. The team physios would be the busiest members of the 16 teams in the fray. At the moment, the South Africans appear the fittest side with no major injury-related issues.

From India’s point of view, it is imperative that the focus is on physical fitness that will also influence their fielding standards. Historically, the Indian teams have always been second best in fitness. This time around, the team has more ageing players than youngsters. In the event, it will help matters if some of the seniors work on their waistlines as much as their cricketing skills. A word of advice – do not consult Shane Warne’s mum!

In the past, with the exception of the 1983 World Cup, the Indians have always failed on the big stage. Their best chance since Kapil’s Devils brought home the prize, was in 2003 in South Africa. But after promising so much, the team simply faded away in the final against Australia. Their poor performance had nothing to with ability, but it was more about coping with the pressure of a big match. Perhaps, this is one area where coach Chappell needs to focus his attention on. Some call it “killer instinct”, but I would say it is about dealing with pressure that separates the winner from the loser.

Thus, the Indian players need to be not just physically fit, but also mentally fresh by the time the World Cup rolls out. There is time yet to work on these vital areas and India’s success in the West Indies would hinge as much on these factors as their undoubted collective ability.