PREDICTIONS: INDIA WILL PLAY IN FINAL

On a detailed analysis of planetary positions, practical possibilities, the likely performances of players and, more importantly, the fortunes of captains the following possible outcome can be expected in the cricket World Cup.

If the time of commencement of the World Cup matches is any indication, the defending champions, Australia, are staring at dethronement. The semi finalists would be the West Indies, Australia, South Africa and India. Australia and India may play the final on April 28. But there is always an element of uncertainty in astrology. The above predictions would be true if the squad remains constant. The West Indies, one of the dark horses, have a good chance based on forces that cannot be gauged by astrological parameters alone.

Apart from the pointers horoscopes provide us at the time of the final and the prize distribution ceremony, the strength of the captains’ chart gives Rahul Dravid’s men an edge over the others in the Cup. On the flip side, it is clear that the event would be dogged by erroneous umpiring and heated arguments. The position of Sun and Saturn indicate relocation of a game around April 5 to 10.

The forecast for individuals is rosy for India. Dravid, Tendulkar, Dhoni, Pathan and Ganguly will shine, while Yuvraj may be an outstanding contributor to the team’s steady performance. Kallis, Hall, Kemp and Telemachus of South Africa; Pollard, Lara, Simons, and Bravo of the West Indies; Silva, Vaas, Jayasuriya, Sangakkarra, Muralitharan and Kulasekara of Sri Lanka; Ponting, Johnson, Watson, Clarke, Hayden, both the Hoggs and Bracken of Australia will have a productive tournament. Kumble and McGrath may disappoint their fans.

We turn to astrology to know things in advance regarding terrestrial events. Cricket is no exception. The indications may be casual or attractive depending on how an individual views astrology, which gives a peek into zodiac so that the results of competitions can be forecast. After a thorough scrutiny of players and nations in the World Cup, I wish to put before the public my predictions.

As early as in the 2nd century BC, Varahamihira, the Father of Astrology, wrote in his Brihat Samhita about wars and sports activities. He was in fact referring to new moons and full moons occurring within or less than 14 or 15 days. By stretching such principles to suit the available conditions now, there was a lunar eclipse on March 4, 2007 and it’s followed by a solar eclipse on March 19. The stage is set for a major sports event that will affect the lives of millions of people. Therefore, the cricket World Cup is indicated by the alignment of stars.

The 16 teams at the Cup have specific destinies based on their stellar configuration. Australia, India and England should start their campaign well along with the hosts. The form of India and England might dip around March 21 as a result of their players’ blunders and strength of their opponents. They may lose points in the Super Eight stage. Their woes will, however, be over soon and both teams will rise to the occasion riding on some extra-ordinary individual performances. In the same breath, Australia’s fortunes will suffer a little bit for a fortnight from March 31. But the Aussies are tipped to play gritty cricket once their bad period gets over.

At the outset, the going will not be good for Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will particularly be affected by detrimental team combination and suicidal game plan. The Lankans, on the other hand, will be hamstrung by their players getting injured during the course of the mega event. New Zealand, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Bangladesh, Bermuda and Canada will start the tournament brightly. The Kiwis are in for a gradual decline with their players not carrying out the tasks assigned to them. Poor fielding too will hit them hard. Sedate start is predicted for South Africa but they will peak nicely towards the end.

The following dates may serve as turning points in the tournament: March 18, 19, 21 and 31; April 6, 7, 14, 19, 24 and the early morning of 28. V. Anand is a lawyer and cricket astrologer. He made some startling predictions before the last Champions Trophy and for several other significant series.

SIGNIFICANT DATES ¦ The position of Sun and Saturn indicate relocation of a game around April 5 to 10 ¦ The form of India and England might dip around March 21 as a result of their players’ blunders ¦ Their woes will, however, be over soon and both teams will rise to the occasion riding on some extra-ordinary individual performances ¦ Turning points in the tournament: March 18, 19, 21 and 31; April 6, 7, 14, 19, 24 and the early morning of 28.

Source: Deccan Chronicle