Thaindian News

Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) The Indian cricket team dedicated the World Cup victory to the entire nation and to teammate Sachin Tendulkar after beating Sri Lanka in the final at the Wankhede Stadium here Saturday.

India had to wait for 28 years to win the title for the second time. The estatic players thanked the fans for their support and also Tendulkar, a veteran of six World cups, for carrying Indian cricket on his shoulders. The players carried Sachin on their shoulders for a victory lap of the Wankhede Stadium amid scences of jubiliation.

“It means the world to me. The World Cup is the biggest thing and we did it today. This is for India. This is for Sachin Paaji,” an emotional Harbhajan Singh said.

“This was my third World Cup and I feel on the top of the world. Thanks to the almighty,” he added.

Virat Kohli, who became part of the winning team in his first World Cup appearance, said he could not have asked for a better Cup debut.

“This is for all the people of India. This is my first World Cup and we won it. I could not have asked for anything more,” said Kohli.

Asked about the teammembers carrying Sachin on their shoulders after the historic triumph, he said: “He (Sachin) has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years, it was time we carried him.”

Player of the Tournament Yuvraj Singh described the feeling as unbelievable and said he was glad the team could win it for the nation and for Sachin.

“It is an unbelievable feeling. It has been a great journey. I don’t have words to express it. We did it for India and Sachin,” said Yuvraj, who was in tears after the victory.

Zaheer Khan, who finished the tournament as the top-wicket taker with 21 wickets alongside Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, said the team had worked hard and badly wanted to win the trophy.

“We wanted it so badly,” said Zaheer. “We are really happy for Sachin. He has done so much for the country. The win is also for all the people of India.”

The road to the finals for India was tougher in comparison than their opponents. They won two back-to-back intense matches against Australia and Pakistan and made it to their third World Cup final.

Gautam Gambhir, who played a match-winning knock of 97 here, said it was a blessing in disguise that the team had gone through the grind in earlier matches.

“The matches against Australia and Pakistan were a blessing in disguise for us. It is great win and a dream come true. All credit goes to Sachin Tendulkar. We played for him,” said Gambhir.