Mumbai, India – India's defeat to Australia in the Cricket World Cup final on November 19, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad left a deep scar on the cricket-mad nation of over 1.4 billion people. More than 90,000 stunned spectators watched in silence as the favored home team suffered a six-wicket loss. Australian captain Pat Cummins' pre-final remark – "In sport, there's nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent" – proved prophetic as the atmosphere turned somber.

Now, two years later, India is preparing for another World Cup final showdown, this time against New Zealand in the T20 format, with the match also scheduled at the same Ahmedabad venue. Mumbai-based fan Sounak Biswas, 29, told Al Jazeera: "The 2023 final defeat is still on our minds. Social media posts calling the Ahmedabad stadium a bad omen keep reinforcing that thought. On Sunday, I hope I can forget those bad memories and create happier ones."

The collective mood across the country – from fans to experts and media – is optimistic. Oddsmakers have given India a 70% chance of victory, local media have rallied behind Suryakumar Yadav's team, and cricket discussions dominate workplaces, homes, and public gatherings. On Sunday, fans will flock to pubs, cafes, and restaurants nationwide to watch the action on large screens or smartphones, while some plan journeys to Ahmedabad from various parts of India to witness the final in person.

India's path to the final was not without hiccups: the co-hosts struggled against the USA in their opening game, fell to South Africa in the next stage, and were pushed to the brink by England in the semifinals. However, as the team faltered, different players stepped up – from the reliable pace-bowling star Jasprit Bumrah and versatile all-rounder Hardik Pandya to young wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and the stunning Sanju Samson, who made a sparkling return to the playing XI. Indian cricketer and TV analyst Aditya Tare noted: "The Indian team is by far the best in the tournament because of the quality in the squad. There were moments when the team was under pressure, but they showed character, picked themselves up from tough situations, and finished games off."

The decision to host another World Cup final at the 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium, instead of traditional Indian cricket homes like Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium or Kolkata's Eden Gardens, has sparked debate among fans online. Those who have attended matches there argue that the large stadium allows more supporters to witness India's quest for another world title. Bengaluru-based fan Aritra Mustafi, who attended two matches in Ahmedabad during the 2023 World Cup, said: "From a fan atmosphere perspective, Gujarat might not be the best place, but stadium-wise it's pretty good because of the crowd management."

Source: www.aljazeera.com