In A Week Of Major Upsets, India Want To Stay Ruthless

Bangladesh are aware of the magnitude of the task, although records show they have won three of the last four face-offs

- VIVEK KRISHNAN

England and Australia are wobbling. South Africa have been jolted by a defeat to Netherlands seemingly out of nowhere. Pakistan are predictably unpredictable.

In a World Cup that's produced two major upsets without yet offering a pulsating climax, India -along with New Zealand - must be looking at the mayhem unfolding around them and quietly savouring the serene start to their campaign.

Assertive performances across all three matches their only moment of anxiety was when Australia reduced them to 2/3 in a chase of 200- mean India are basking in the adulation. The bowling attack is being feted for its precision and tactical smarts while the batters are knocking off small targets with flourish. For the mood to sway in Pune on Thu day, Bangladesh will have to raise their game by several notches and simultaneously hope India's standards dip too.

The chances of that happening, however, seem to be remote. India's keenness to keep their ruthless streak going means they aren't entertaining thoughts of rotation for the game against Bangladesh. "Yeah, I think it's important to maintain this start really. So as of now, there is no discussion of rotation from our point of view. I think it is important to carry this momentum for the next game as well. No thought as such," India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey told reporters on Wednesday.