India claim top spot in Test ranking for first time in their history
MASTER batsman Sachin Tendulkar believes the current India side is the best he has been involved with during his 20 years in the international game.
India rose to the top of the ICC’s rankings by defeating Sri Lanka by an innings and 24 runs in the final Test in Mumbai, clinching the three-Test series 2-0.
The victory ensured India, who started the year at number three in the Test rankings, would end the year in top spot.
“I would not hesitate to say that this is the best team I have ever played with,” Tendulkar said.
“If you look at the batting line-up, right from the number one batsman to the number seven batsman which is Mahendra Singh Dhoni spot, it’s a solid line-up.
“I’ve enjoyed playing the game and although a lot of people have been asking me about retirement, I haven’t thought about it at all.
“I will continue to play as long as I enjoy the game.”
Tendulkar said India’s process to reach the top of the rankings had started with coach Gary Kirsten.
“It’s been a long wait and I’m extremely delighted,” Tendulkar added.
“I think the process of getting to the number one spot really started when Gary Kirsten and Paddy Upton took over along with Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh.
“The aim of the whole team then was to get to be the top in the world.
“All credit to Kirsten, he handled the team brilliantly and credit also to the other players who have been a part of this team over the last 18-20 months. They have all worked very hard and have been very focused.”
