March 02, 2007	Friday	Safar 12, 1428

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MUMBAI, March 1: leading Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar is hoping to achieve his dream of winning an elusive World Cup crown at the tournament in the Caribbean starting later this month.

The 33-year-old holds the records for most One-day International runs (14,783), centuries (41) and caps (381), but the ODI game's ultimate prize is still missing from his trophy cabinet.

“To be honest, to play well and win the World Cup is our long cherished dream. Not only mine, but it's the team's dream,” said Tendulkar, who will play in his fifth World Cup. “No one can deny the importance of an event that comes once in four years,” Tendulkar told the Mumbai Mirror tabloid on Thursday.

“I have to admit that the huge stage of the World Cup motivates me to showcase my talent. The best will play against the best. That's something which excites any player. I, too, am ready for the challenge.”

The March 13-April 28 event is expected to be the last shot at World Cup glory for a quartet of India's golden generation of cricketers -- Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, skipper Rahul Dravid and leg-spinner Anil Kumble.

India, the 1983 winners and finalists at the last edition in South Africa, are in Group B with 1996 champions Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bermuda.

Vice-captain Tendulkar said he was confident that the team would do well at the showpiece event. “This Indian side is giving me a very good feel. Getting the right momentum will be a crucial factor. The team which can adapt to (the) wickets quickly will go ahead in the race.” —Reuters