He holds some amazing records in cricketing history but for Sachin Tendulkar winning the World Cup was the greatest moment of his career.
A highly emotional Tendulkar conceded yesterday after India's historic six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the tournament's summit clash that it was the 'proudest day of my life'.
"Couldn't have asked for more. This is ultimate. It is the proudest moment of my life," said Tendulkar in an emotion- choked voice after India broke the jinx of host nation not lifting the Cup.
"I thank the team for putting up a fabulous performance and playing consistent cricket," added the maestro, who had represented the country in five previous World Cups. Tendulkar, the highest run-getter in both Tests (14692) and ODIs (18111) and also the only batsman to have notched up a double century in the 50-over game, has said before the tournament that it was his dream to be part of a World Cup-winning Indian squad.
"As a young boy, I grew up dreaming that I will be lifting the World Cup someday. Along the way, many things happened in my career and I am extremely happy about those," Sachin said.
The cricket icon, who did a lap of honour on the shoulder of his teammates said there was tears in his eyes once Dhoni hit the winning shot off Nuwan Kulasekara - a six over long on.
"Yes, they were happy tears. So I don't mind. We have stuck together through ups and down," stated the legend, who will be celebrating his 38th birthday on April 24.
Tendulkar, who missed out on his 100th international ton in his home venue, lavished praise on the support staff especially adventure enthusiast and motivational expert Mike Horn, who joined the team just before the World Cup.
"I wanted to thank Mike Horn. The sessions with him were of immense help. Also I want to thank Gary Kirsten and Paddy Upton. They have to be given the credit as they instilled a bit more self belief in us. We have been very consistent during the last two years and this is a result of that," Tendulkar said.
The master batsman finished the tournament as the second-highest run-getter by accumulating 482 runs from nine games at 53.55 per innings, 18 runs short of Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan.
'We kissed the trophy 1000 times'
Man of the tournament Yuvraj Singh said that this current bunch has always raised the bar for themselves and there's been fierce unity in the team.
"I guess we kissed the World Cup atleast 1000 times. It's a great bunch who have backed each other. Thanks to Gary that we have been able to raise the bar. We have never been complacent," Yuvraj said.