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This is an archive article published on November 10, 2009

8216;2007 WC loss was more painful than my failure as captain8217;

Sachin Tendulkar rates the 2007 World Cup cricket debacle as the worst moment of his professional career and blamed the setback on a batting order blunder.

Sachin Tendulkar rates the 2007 World Cup cricket debacle as the worst moment of his professional career and blamed the setback on a batting order blunder.

India could not make it to the Super Eight stage of the high-profile tournament in the West Indies and crashed out after defeats against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Tendulkar did not say a word on Greg Chappell,insisting he would not disclose dressing room secrets,but had no doubt that the batting order was far from perfect.

8220;I felt our batting order was not right,8221; said Tendulkar,who batted at number four with Robin Uthappa sent ahead of him.

8220;It was a big tournament and we had a fantastic team. Everything looked well set but I felt our batting order was not right. This was one of the reasons behind India8217;s early ouster,8221; the champion batsman told a TV channel.

Chappell was nearing the end of his tumultuous coaching stint with India,having ticked off senior players,including Tendulkar,with his high-handedness.

The Mumbai player,however,refused to disclose anything. 8220;I would not go into the details,for I believe what happens in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room. But of course,things could have been different,8221; Tendulkar said.

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Bangladesh thumped India by five wickets in the first Group B match at Port of Spain and Tendulkar said it was a freak match for his teammates.

8220;We did not play the way we were expected to. It8217;s not that the players did not try enough. We tried our best but there are days when things don8217;t go your way and it was one of those days,8221; Tendulkar said.

Tendulkar said the early ouster was more painful than his own failure as captain of the team even though he has no regrets for failing to make a mark as the skipper of the side.

8220;No regrets at all. Captaining is not about an individual but a team,8221; he said.

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8220;Of course it was painful whenever team lost but losing the 2007 World Cup was more disappointing,8221; Tendulkar added. Tendulkar,who would be completing his 20 years of international cricket on November 15,said fitness-wise,he was feeling alright and was looking forward to playing in the 2011 World Cup.

8220;Touchwood,my body is holding up nicely. Of course I8217;m looking forward to the 2011 World Cup and by God8217;s grace,we should be able to achieve what we want to achieve,8221; he said.

Asked how he would like to be remembered once he hangs up his boot,Tendulkar said,8221;As somebody who played for the team and was true,sincere and honest as a member of the side8230;as somebody who has given it all and wanted to be a good team-man.8221;

 

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