By now, most teams have attuned to the varying conditions at the ICC World Cup 2023 but the one lesson they haven't seemed to learn is how to compete with India in its own backyard. The last three group stage encounters are an indictment on the other major teams, as they appear to be waiting for India's standard to slip rather than trying to attain their level of brilliance.

This all-concurring Indian team’s aura is way too sturdy to wear out. This became most evident by the way nerves dwindled between the crease in the first 50 (-7.5) overs on Saturday. Still, there were bigger things to come. A ruthless carnage with the bat, lucid pangs of despair, contrasting emotions, and the undying Motera crowd’s roar.