Dhoni is the best captain I have played for, says Sachin

Mumbai, Apr 4 (ANI): Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who is on cloud nine after India's win in the 2011 cricket World Cup, on Monday said Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the best captain he had played under.

"He stayed calm, very alert. Situational awareness has been his biggest strength. He reads the situation well, is open to ideas, and above all he stays calm doesn't show frustration," said Tendulkar in praise of Dhoni.

"To know the likes and dislikes of every individual is very important. And he's been at it throughout the tournament," he added.

Commenting on the expectations of millions of fans, Tendulkar said the team went into the final not thinking about lifting the World Cup, but thinking of the process to win it.

"We're thinking of limiting them to the smallest total possible. In the knockout stage, we peaked at the right time...clicked together at right time. We batted, fielded and bowled well. You saw the effort from all players. From senior-most to junior-most. Performance no one can guarantee, but effort you can guarantee," he said.

Tendulkar, who was just ten years old, when Kapil Dev lifted the World Cup trophy in 1983, further said the victory was special, as it came at the Wankhede Stadium.

The batting maestro further said Gary Kirsten should continue as Team India's coach.

"Personally, I would say Gary (Kirsten) should continue, but he has family commitments. I respect his decision. We will miss him a lot. It's been a pleasure to work with him. He's probably worked harder than anyone else. He worked like a machine," said Tendulkar in praise of Kirsten, who has announced his decision to step down as the coach.

India scripted a glorious new chapter in their cricketing history on Saturday night by regaining the coveted Cricket World Cup after 28 years. The last World Cup victory for India came against the West Indies in 1983 at Lords in England.

In the nerve-wrecking summit clash of the 2011 edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup tournament at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets.

With this win, India has become the first nation to win the World Cup on home soil. (ANI)