Odds favour India 3/1

Bookies are betting on India. India is given 3/1, Sri Lanka 4/1, England and Australia 5/1. Pakistan is 8/1. These ordds are according to the betting syndicate in London.

SA is 11/2, WI 20/1, NZ 20/1, Bangladesh 33/1, Zimbabwe 200/1, Ireland 500/1 and Holland 750/1.

India's 3/1 favourites position resonates with the position of the Heavens. Both the transits of Jupiter and Saturn are favourable. The only problem one encounters is the 4th lord's Dasa. The 4th lord, the Sun, is posited in the 3rd. The 4th lord as such is not bad, but his position in the 12th from the 4th, indicates tension and high pressure. Only after handling immense pressure, can India win ! India has a tendency to implode, particularly at the middle order, as shown in the SA tour. If India plays well, and uses the strategy not to lose too many wickets in the first 30-35 overs, accelerate later and bowl a good line and length, she can justify her 3/1 favourite position !

India are hot favourites, according to the modest pacer, Munaf Patel. He feels that 28 year jinx can be broken, as India has many positive factors in her favour, like home conditions, balanced squad and fanatical support.

This is a golden opportunity for Indian cricket. The subcontinental pitches favour India and the bowlers know the conditions too well. "Such an opportunity of playing on home pitches and favourable conditions don't come everyday," said the Indian swing bowler.

Munaf was born just a month after Kapil's Devils created history, said "The team is very strong as it has some of the best batsmen, fit all-rounders and in-form bowlers who have been delivering the goods consistently".

Munaf may not be as fast as Lee or Steyn, but bowls a good line and length. "I bowl in the right areas and focus on maintaining line and length, which have helped me in getting wickets."

Munaf's potential was spotted by Kiran More and now he has come of age.