Kol-kata of important duty

Co-hosts seek inspiration from Varun ahead of a must-win Super 8s tie against West Indies

- FIROZ MIRZA @Kolkata

WHEN India landed in Chennai for the Zimbabwe clash, for the first time in four years, the co-hosts had their backs against the wall in an ICC event.

The last loss was in the final of the ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad before the one against South Africa in Super 8s of T20 World Cup this time. For a team that came into the tournament as favourites, to be one loss away from an early exit, is unimaginable. Every match has tuned into a virtual knockout.

Anxiety would have hit the roof with some of their top-order batters were struggling to find the middle of the bat. Ithad to be in Chennai where they hit form before the big one in Kolkata against the West Indies on Sunday. And the city helped to calm those jingling nerves.

On Saturday, Eden Gardens was draped in all its finery when India went out to practice under the lights. Waft of cool air in the evening brought the day temperature down but the heat is picking up as the match —a must-win for both teams — draws near. Each move is being meticulously planned. Match-ups drawn.