The Great Game Called Cricket...

As Team India hit the pinnacle of Test cricket, former Indian players want MS Dhoni and co. to maintain the consistency required to stay on top.

"Getting to number one is hard work. But they would have to work harder to stay there because others would try to knock them off the pedestal. They would have to be a lot more consistent but it's not beyond them. They have got the skills and talent and it's application which is not always 100 percent," said Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar.

The little master also reminded of the valuable contributions of former captains like Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble in building the team that India boasts of today.

"Players like Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble made a lot of contribution. They are the guys who moulded the team. Their teammates imbibed fighting qualities from them.”

The legendary opening batsman believed Sachin Tendulkar would treasure the achievement more than anyone else.

"I think Sachin was probably dying for this day. He started in 1989 and has completed 20 years in international cricket. He missed out on a World Cup when India lost the final in 2003.
"Now this is a big moment for him. I would think this is as big as all his personal records," Gavaskar said.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former India captain and current chief of national selectors too credited Ganguly and Kumble for the team’s success.
"Anil Kumble led the side ably and did a great job after Rahul Dravid had relinquished captaincy. As a bowler, I don't need to comment on his performance.

"At the same time, you have to remember Sourav Ganguly. Ganguly was an attacking captain right from the start and even in his last series against Australia, his contribution with the bat was crucial for the team," Srikkanth said.

Another former skipper Bishan Singh Bedi sent across his wishes to the world Test leaders and said Dhoni is lucky as a captain to have great match-winners in his team. He was also confident that the present Indian team is capable of beating teams like Australia and South Africa in their own backyard.

"Congratulations to all members of Team India for their superb performance. They have made it possible, though it has taken a long time. Right now, it's a proud moment to cherish and not look at the shortcomings.

"I would like to credit people like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag. They are the people who have really combined the unit. Dhoni to my mind is a very lucky man to have all these greats under his command," Bedi conceded.

Former India spinner EAS Prasanna said the team needs to build on the recent success.

"It is a wonderful victory. It is gratifying to witness a great effort by the team, especially since it is coming for the first time in the history. There is going to be an added pressure on the team now. They will have to work really hard to sustain that position with the knowledge that other countries are also developing faster," Prasanna warned.