Mumbai, Dec 6 (IANS) Sachin Tendulkar said the current team that rose to become the No. one Test side in world cricket after an emphatic 2-0 series victory against Sri Lanka Sunday is one of the best Indian side ever.
It was a fitting tribute to Tendulkar himself who completed two decades in international cricket just before the start of the Sri Lanka series.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to become the number one Test side. We have been waiting to get to this position for a long time,” Tendulkar said after India’s innings and 24 run victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final Test.

“In fact not only for the team, but it’s a matter of pride for the entire nation. We are all delighted,” Tendulkar said.

“Every player in this team and all those who were part of the team for the last 18-20 months have worked hard to achieve this feat.”

“I thought Gary (Kirsten) and Paddy (Upton) along with Robin Singh and Venkatesh Prasad played a major role. All credit to them the way they have worked with the team. That was the time when we sat down and set a goal to become the number one Test team.”

Tendulkar said it was one of the best Indian teams ever. “Yes, I must say so. We have got such a strong batting line-up right from the top to number seven where Mahendra Singh Dhoni bats.”

Tendulkar said the wicket at the hitoric Brabourne Stadium where Test cricket returned after 36 years was a perfect strip.

“I thought it was a brilliant wicket. It played very well throughout the match. There was turn on the first day and I knew that it would settle down once it is rolled over and it did.”

And for those who thought that retirement plans might just be seeded in the batting maestro’s mind after achieving the number one spot, can take a walk.

“Many people want me to retire. But I am enjoying my game and as long as I enjoy the game, I am not thinking (about retirement),” he said with a boyish grin.