They say, and not without a reason, that defending the crown is far more difficult than winning it for the first time. India, the defending world champions in the 50 overs format, are finding themselves in a similar situation.


Murali Vijay must be considered for the opener's job given Dhawan's frailties against fast bowling. Pic/AFP

The 2015 World Cup hasn't started yet, but the countdown has, and India are on a slightly slippery slope with regards to their readiness for the big event.

While there's still some time to set things right, it's worth acknowledging that these ODIs against England are the last imited-overs matches that India would play before heading to Australia for the tri-series leading up to the World Cup.