Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar considers the early exit of the Indian team from 2007 cricket World Cup as one of the worst moments of his illustrious career and says the disappointment in the West Indies served as a boost to prove critics wrong four years later.
"The most forgettable ICC Cricket World Cup for me has to be 2007 edition in the West Indies. The early exit from the tournament ranks among the worst moments of my cricketing career," Tendulkar said in a column he wrote for the ICC in the run up to the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
"We had a fantastic team but it was not to be! My pursuit to be a part of the World Cup winning team continued. The disappointment in the tournament served as a boost to prove many naysayers wrong," he added.
Tendulkar, who is also an ICC ambassador for the 2015 World Cup, said winning the 2011 edition at home was the highest point of his career.
"In defeating top sides like Australia, Pakistan and eventually overcoming Sri Lanka in the final, India emerged as the first nation to win the World Cup on home soil. It was even more special as I had finally been part of World Cup winning team after 22 years of pursuit. The victory in 2011 was the highest point of my career as a nation unified in its celebrations," the iconic cricketer, who participated in record six World Cup editions, said.
Tendulkar, who retired last year on a pile of runs and records, recounted his journey from a World Cup 'ball-boy' to a World Cup winner.
"On June 25, 1983, India cricket team won the ICC Cricket World Cup 1983 and images of the team holding the trophy were inspirational for the entire nation. I was just 10 years of age and have fond memories of that victory. My parents allowed me to celebrate the victory till late in night. I was also inspired to take up playing the game with the season (hard) ball after the World Cup victory," Tendulkar, who played 45 World Cup matches scoring 2278 runs, said.
"My first 'live' piece of World Cup action was during the 1987 ICC Cricket World Cup, which was co-hosted by India and Pakistan. I was fortunate to be among the volunteers to be picked as a ball boy for the matches played in Mumbai. As I stood there watching Indian greats on the field, I kept telling myself that I need to be a part of action in the middle," he added.
