Sachin's last World Cup

Unarguably - its now or never for Sachin. Only a few records are untouched by Tendulkar (some listed below):

Fastest ODI/Test century
Triple century in tests (Sehwag has 2 in much lesser time)
Highest Test Score (way behind Lara's epic 400)
A century at the Mecca of cricket - The Lords
He might not be able to achieve any of these now(possibly last one is achievable), but one thing which would hurt him most (if it doesn't happen this time round) would be - A World Cup triumph.

It was only after watching Kapil Dev lift the World Cup on the balcony of Lords cricket ground on 25th June 1983 that Sachin started his dream. Dream - to play for India, to earn name and fame for the country, to see the World Cup lifted by India once more. With this dream, he started his career, and today, after more than 2 decades of playing, the last part of his dream is still not fulfilled.

Twice he brought India to within touching distance, but on both ocassions the final glory eluded him. First, in 1996, with 531 runs under his belt, Sachin brought India till Semi-finals. But then, somehow, Azhar, after winning the toss, instead of deciding on his team's strength (batting first and putting runs on board), decided not to give opposition a chance that works to their strength (which was chasing- Lankans were chasing everything successfully courtesy Jaya-Kalu opening stands). So he invited SL to bat, and his decision seemed to be working when both the openers got out cheaply. But then the man of semi-final (Aravinda) came and changed the game with his calculated strokeplay. A target of 252 was not unachievable by any means, and India was on track till Sachin was there at the crease. But once Sachin was dismissed (a brilliant stumping from Kalu), the game turned on its head. From 98-1, India slumped to 120-8, and Kolkata pitch was spitting venom. Even Jayasuriya got ball to spin 90 degrees. It was one of the worst pitches anyone could've batted on. Match was not ended by bowlers, but by the Eden Garden crowd which didn't let players continue. Can still remember clearly a crying Vinod Kambli going off the field with Anil Kumble. India's dream was shattered.

Its said that every game is a new one, and players should put past matches behind. In Sachin's case, he had to put his past World Cup performance behind. After the high of 1996, 1999 was a forgettable cup for India (though personal milestones were still achieved - RD was the top scorer), with India not making it to semi-finals. Then came 2003 - this time the difference was in the attitude. Under Saurav Ganguly, this team was much more determined to give an eye to eye thrashing to its opponents, thanks to India's performance against Aus in 2001. That confidence was getting carried forward, and it was getting reflected in India's matches. South Africa looked like India, with Indo-Pak match being one of the most awaited ones. Onus was on India to keep the slate clean against its arch rivals (Pakistan has never beaten India in a WC match), and the way Sachin ensured that (alongwith Sehwag) was awesome. He felt just 2 runs short of century, and then in the next match again he felt just 3 runs short of century. Still he was leaving an impression in every game, and almost single handedly he got India one step further. Into the finals of 2003 WC. But then again, luck eluded. Like in 1996, this time round also India decided to field first, and the omen started looking bad for India from the very first over when an excited/nervous/confused Zaheer started bowling wides and no balls to give 22 runs away. Gilchrist and Hayden made merry of the attack, and India were given a daunting (and almost impossible) task of climbing a mountain of 349 runs. Something which would have been possible only if Sachin Sehwag combination fired. Sachin started well, hitting a four off McGrath, but that was his only scoring shot. And then McGrath got one to rise, and that was the end of little maestro. India's dream got shattered, once more.

But if we look at the trend of past 5 world cups, I would say India have a very fair chance of lifting the trophy this time round.
1992 - Could not qualify for semis
1996 - Semi final defeat
1999 - Could not qualify for semis
2003 - Final Defeat
2007 -Could not qualify for semis (out after first round itself)
2011 - WC Win???

India's WC performance has been a sine curve, with alternate crests and troughs. 2007 was a valley. Going by that, 2011 is the year when India has best chance of winning the coveted trophy. This would be the greatest gift that India and Sachin can give to each other. I am just praying that for one last time the maestro comes in his true colours, and we can see a proud MS Dhoni lift the World Cup - In India, for India.

All the Best Team India - Chak De!!!