Five things that need to happen for India to win the Cricket World Cup

Do not experiment too much: Lately, India have flirted with the idea of sometimes sending Kohli in at No 4, especially when an early wicket falls. The thinking behind that is to protect their prize asset. But Kohli inside the dressing room is a caged lion. You would rather he was out in the middle, expending that energy on tormenting bowlers. (Photo: Rick Rycroft / AP)

Trust in experience: Axar Patel is an all-rounder with a bright future. But for this World Cup, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who combined so well at the Champions Trophy, have to be the first-choice spin pairing. Ashwin was a fringe player in 2011 while Jadeja was in the wilderness. They both have something to prove. (David Mariuz / AP)

Go for wickets: With Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav in the ranks, India are unlikely to top any economy-rate charts. Then again, as the old-timers love to tell you, the best way to inhibit the scoring is to take wickets. Rather than ask them to bowl conservatively, it is better to play to their strengths. Figures of three for 65 are preferable to none for 40. (Photo: Theo Karanikos / AFP)

Be safe and not spectacular: Whatever Raina might think, India are not the best fielding side in the competition. But when they have done well, whether in 1983 or 2011, they have been safe catchers. You do not need to be Jonty Rhodes to win trophies, but it helps if you can snaffle what comes your way. (Photo: Gareth Copley / Getty Images)

From opening to partnerships to looking for steady play, India must not panic if things do not go their way early and stick to the formula that has been succesul for them many times before, writes Dileep Premachdandran.

(Click the arrows above to scroll through Dileep’s keys for India at the World Cup)

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