Magic carpet reinvents Indian batting

By John Cheeran
Is this the beginning?
If it is, even factoring the benign batting conditions in Nagpur, India have begun well by giving Brian Lara and folks a winning target of 339 runs to seal the first one-dayer in Nagpur.
Four half-centuries have brightened up the Indian innings.
Sourav Ganguly has led the way with his 98 while skipper Rahul Dravid, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir all made quick half-centuries.
The only failure, if you want to be uncharitable, was Sachin Tendulkar who made 31.
So what's the secret of India's batting revival?
Credit has to be given to the magic carpet that has been laid at Nagpur.
In the recent times Indian team has been denied the luxury of dry wickets not just in South Africa but during the Champions Trophy that was staged in India.
Much as Rahul Dravid and folks would love to carry this magic carpet to the Caribbeans for their World Cup adventure, it remains to be seen whether they will be given such allowances at the customs.
Meanwhile, savour moments such as these in Nagpur.