Thirteen is almost universally considered an unlucky number, except in Australia where the corresponding number is 87—because it is 13 less than 100. Intriguingly, it is in Australia later this year that India will attempt to end a 13-year drought in international cricket's shortest, snappiest, newest format.

It's as hard to believe that a country that boasts the premier domestic T20 league in the world hasn't landed the biggest prize in that version for 13 years as it was incredibly pleasantly shocking when a young and unheralded outfit under a first-time captain went all the way in the inaugural World T20 in 2007. Now rechristened the Twenty20 World Cup, the seventh edition of 20-over cricket's flagship competition in October-November will offer the Indians another chance to snap their barren run, and Virat Kohli the opportunity to emulate illustrious predecessor Mahendra Singh Dhoni.