India vs The World? This World Cup, what are India's chances at defending the title?

From 'Let's Do It For Sachin' to 'We Won't Give It Back', - in a span of four years a lot has happened to the Indian Cricket Team. Whether it be the retirement of one of the greatest icon of the game, Sachin Tendulkar or constant embarrassments on away tours, the controversies pertaining to fixing or selection of the WC squad, the team has seen some serious ups and downs. This brings us to CWC 2015, hosted on the bouncy & pacey pitches of Australia and New Zealand.

'#WeWontGiveItBack' is how the broadcasters projected India's title defence, and launched quirky 'Mauka Mauka' advertisements which kept unfolding stories game after game to show that this time, it's India vs The World. Now having won the Quarter Finals today, let's have a statistical analysis of India's journey at this World Cup so far:

Matches: 7
Wins: 7
300+ Scores: 3
Wickets taken: 70

Shikhar Dhawan (367) is the only Indian batsman in top 10 run scorers list in the tournament so far, while Virat Kohli (304), Rohit Sharma (296) & Suresh Raina (277) are placed at 11, 15 & 17 respectively. Whereas, Md. Shami surprisingly tops the chart of the leading wicket takers with 17 scalps to his name, while Umesh Yahan (14), R. Ashwin (12), Mohit Sharma (11) are placed at 7, 12 & 14 respectively.

The batting stats do tell us a compelling story: The runs are well distributed amongst the batsmen. From top of the order to the lower order, except R. Jadeja, every other batsman has delivered on at least one occasion in the tournament. The team hasn't had to rely on any particular batsman for the runs. Therefore, going into the semis, Team India will be feeling very confident about their strong batting line-up.

If we look at the bowling stats, we would probably have to look again to believe that the same bowling line-up that was quashed in the test series as well as in the tri-series has been heckling every single batting unit, game after game. Taking 70 wickets out of 70 was probably the last thing even the captain of this side would have ever thought in his wildest of dreams. This performance from India's bowling line-up has to be the best thing that has happened to them throughout this tournament, along with their sharp fielding.

Analysing the overall performance of the team, we can surely say that the wins over arch rivals Pakistan & the mighty Proteas helped restore the confidence of every Indian fan & from thereon, the team has just been in a phenomenal form downing opponents with sheer confidence, game after game. The team got tested only on two occasions, against West Indies & Zimbabwe, that too was surpassed with ease. What lies ahead is a short journey of mere 2 games, i.e., Semi-Finals clash against the winner of Australia vs Pakistan game & a win there would put them into the Finals against the winner of South Africa vs New Zealand / West Indies game.

Australia have been the prime favorites right from the start of this tournament. Whether it be, the pacey swinging yorkers of Mitchell Stark or aggressive batting from the start of the innings or the world class fielding. They have been near perfect in all aspects of the game and present a huge challenge ahead of Pakistan in their Quarter Final Clash. On the other hand, New Zealand have emerged as the group leaders, winning all 6 games of the group stages, which includes a nail-biting finish again the mighty Aussies. Their Quarter Final clash against the inconsistent West Indies outfit is also seen as a one sided clash which would certainly swing towards the Kiwis. This  makes it clear for India, defeat Australia in Australia, then New Zealand in the finals & wear the world champions crown for the second consecutive time.

The strong batting line-up, the young and charged up bowling brigade, the enthusiasm in the field, hunger to win & a strong leader at helm makes India a very strong contender to lift CWC 15. Given the form & changed pitch conditions in Australia, where the pitches are more favorable towards batting compared to the hostile conditions they offered during the Tri-Series, India have one of their best chance to do the unthinkable, to do what would be one of their greatest triumphs in history of Indian Cricket, to win a World Cup in Australia. They certainly look in no mood, 'To Give It Back'.