Caught in a semi-circle

The World Cup returns to India seeking reaffirmation both on the field and off it. The Prudential Cup in 1983 was the genesis of India's fascination with One-day cricket, and this latest edition in February will mark a full circle. Not only for the format, now flirting dangerously with a bleak future, but for Indian sponsors, fans and administrators. The victory at Lord's - many cricketing nations still blasphemously believe it was accidental - set in motion irreversible processes with deep consequences for the international game.

That the subsequent edition of the tournament was held in the subcontinent in 1987 was an indication of the fact that tectonic shifts had taken place. The country had embraced ODIs like no other. Kapil's Devils, having undergone a facelift, were badder, bolder and expected to defend their crown in a now-truncated 50-over affair. India Inc had started pumping in money as a precursor to usurping the world game.