India beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 24 runs to clinch the three-match series 2-0 and top the ICC rankings for the first time since its 2003 inception.
Former captain Sunil Gavaskar led the tribute but also reminded the contributions of former captains Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble in making the side a formidable outfit.
“Players like Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble made a lot of contribution. They are the guys who moulded the team. Their teammates imbibed fighting qualities from the Gangulys and Kumbles,” Gavaskar said.
Individually, Gavaskar reckoned, Sachin Tendulkar would cherish the feat more than anyone else.
“I think Sachin was probably dying for this day. He started in 1989 and has completed 20 years in international cricket. Now this is a big moment for him. I would think this is as big as all his personal records,” Gavaskar said.
Published 06 December 2009, 18:29 IST