Group A (with Australia, England, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Holland, Namibia)

Strengths: Batting — although not at its best in seaming conditions — and team spirit. Arrival of newcomers has eased pressure on mainstay Sachin Tendulkar and helped the team to discard the tag as chokers under pressure.

Weaknesses: Bowling erratic under pressure and fielding blunted by wear and tear among seniors with only youngsters Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif close to world class.

Key man: Tendulkar — playing in his third World Cup, his class will be vital on South Africa’s bouncy pitches. Can also break partnerships with his intelligent slow bowling.

One-day form: Improved fitness and batting helped to claim a tri-series final against England, chasing 326, and share the 12-team Champions Trophy with hosts Sri Lanka in September 2002. But subsequently lost 4-3 to West Indies at home and 5-2 in New Zealand, where batsmen looked clueless on seaming tracks.

Past World Cup performances: India’s moment of glory came when they shocked West Indies in the 1983 final to dash their hat-trick hopes, having won just one match in the first two tournaments in 1975 and 1979.

Semifinalists in 1987 and 1996 as co-hosts — the second game ended with their fans rioting as Sri Lanka reached the brink of victory. Eliminated in the first round in 1992 and in the Super Sixes in 1999.

Prediction: Semifinals.—Reuters