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We hope to bring back the Cup: Tendulkar

Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar put his weight behind India's World Cup hopes, saying the team would try its best to win the February 9 - March 23, 2003, tournament in South Africa.

"We are going to try and realise the hopes of the Indian masses and bring back the World Cup to the country," said Tendulkar, who was in Chennai along with dashing batsman Virender Sehwag to launch an energy drink.

"It is going to be a big tournament, coming every four years. Indian supporters are looking forward to it. They are hoping the Cup comes back to India. We are hoping for it too. We are going to try our best to realise their hopes," he added.

Asked about the still-to-be-resolved contract issue, which threatened India's participation in the Champions Trophy in September, he said, "I don't want to comment anything on that."

But he did reveal what he plans to do once the World Cup is over.

"After the World Cup is over, I will be spending time with the kids on cricket," he said. "I have gone through this as a kid and I know how important it is for a youngster to meet an international cricketer and get to know his experience. I want to meet them and spend time with them and share their feelings too."

Tendulkar showered praise on Sehwag, saying it is a treat to be at the other end of the wicket when he bats.

"I like players who play big shots. It is an understatement that he plays big shots. We are all proud of his abilities. The whole world has seen what he is capable of," the batting maestro said, when asked about the rise of Sehwag at the international level.

"As a team member, I appreciate him. I will be happy to watch him bat like that, and it will be treat to be on the other end of the wicket," Tendulkar, himself a big stroke-maker, said.

"In course of time, Sehwag will be in my shoes and tell others about his feelings, as it all starts grass root level."

Asked whether he would open with Sehwag, he replied: "It is not an individual's decision. It is going to be a team decision. It is not an individual sport. Whenever you make a specific move, you have to remember that you have ten other players with you.

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