The Hindu Business Line : `India, hot favourite to win ICC World Cup'

India, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are predicted to reach the semi-finals, with 91 per cent of those surveyed believing India will make it to the final.

Mumbai March 14 With the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup underway , Indian fans appear to be confident that the Indian team will win the World Cup. According to an online study conducted with Nielsen India's online research panel, Your Voice, just over half (53 per cent) of Indian respondents think India will win the 2007 World Cup Cricket, while less than a quarter think Australian will win, and only 13 per cent think South Africa will win the Cup. Indians also nominate Ricky Ponting from Australia as the best captain, among all teams.

"Cricket has always been very close to the heart of the Indians — its like a religion and the level of enthusiasm amongst the Indian fans is certain to grow in the lead up to the World Cup," said Mr N.S. Muthukumaran, Director, Online Research for Nielsen Company in India. "The team's recent performance against the West Indies has also bolstered fans' confidence in their team which is reflected in the results of our study." Sachin Tendulkar, who reigns supreme in the heart of all Indian cricket fans, is expected to be the highest scorer and the Man of the Tournament while M.S. Dhoni, with his strong arm and affinity to hit sixes, is predicted to emerge as the highest six hitter of the game. According to Indian fans, terrific fielders Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting of the Australian side are expected to make it for the greatest number of catches title.

The prediction game

Predicting the outcome of the World Cup is an interesting game in itself, and has already become the talk of the town in India. As the Nielsen survey shows, India, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are predicted to reach the semi-finals, with 91 per cent of those surveyed believing India will make it to the final, to play Australia for the championship.

"With the World Cup Cricket a major sporting event in India this year, companies will be looking to capitalise on opportunities for additional businesses. Our survey brings some good news for the manufacturers and retailers of snacks, with 62 per cent of respondents claiming they like to watching cricket with the accompaniment of some crisps, with more than a third opting for carbonated soft drinks and 30 per cent reaching for the popcorn," said Mr Muthukumaran

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