Sachin Tendulkar can dictate when to leave,says Brian Lara

8220;Obviously he has stepped aside for all the other versions of the game. I am sure he wants to play a few more Test matches and he should be allowed to. It has been a great career and someone that will be sorely missed when he leaves. I don8217;t think we should push him out too quickly,8221; Lara told reporters on the sidelines of a Dell event.

Speaking about India8217;s chances of winning the ICC Champions Trophy,the Trinidadian said the team has been consistent and needs to continue in the same vein.

8220;Obviously over the last few years under the leadership of M S Dhoni,they have gained a lot of success. I think this is the one trophy that has eluded them. They are in prime position to do well.

8220;If India goes on to win,I am not sure if the match is over yet against Sri Lanka I don8217;t want to spoil the party,but if they do,they are facing the host England. Some nine years ago,England lost to the West Indies. You tend to feel that there might be a little bit in it for England.

8220;India has played very good cricket and they have been very consistent. They have just got to keep it up for another one and half games,8221; he said.

The 44-year old praised the Indian batting greats and said they have inspired the youngsters.

8220;I think they have done very well. Shikhar Dhawan has been a top performer. I think it8217;s a great team. I want to commend the older heads like Sachin,Rahul Dravid and all the players of recent past who have given these youngsters something to look upto.

8220;I think these youngsters are relishing the opportunity to play for India,having been inspired by the past players. You have got a good team not just for the finals on Sunday but you have got a good team for many other tournaments,8221; he said.

West Indies host Sri Lanka and India in a tri-series later this month and Lara hoped the Caribbean side would emerge victorious after a poor show at the Champions Trophy.

8220;I think the team has done pretty well. We have gone on a good run in Test matches. A bit unfortunate in the Champions Trophy with the loss against South Africa. It looked like we were going to win. I wouldn8217;t be down on the team at all. I think they have to regroup now.

8220;They have a tri-nation series coming up against India and Sri Lanka. Playing at home we want to come out on top at that. It is very important especially if you have a semi-finalist in Sri Lanka in this tournament Champions Trophy and a finalist in India.

8220;If we can come up victorious in that series,it does well for our cricket and then we can go to other things in future,8221; said Lara.