India genuine W'Cup contenders: Atherton

India's fantastic run in the Tri-Series capped by their stunning victory in the final at Lord's on Saturday has transformed the side into a strong contender for next year's World Cup, according to former England captain Michael Atherton.

Writing in The Sunday Times, Atherton paid tributes to the combined effort by India, saying a team of stars had been able to shine like a constellation.

"India have surprised me with their passion and intensity and look genuine World Cup contenders," Atherton said, adding that Yuvraj Singh had certainly been the find of the tournament.

"Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif, like (Marcus) Trescothick and (Michael) Vaughan, are young players of spirit to back up the more established stars. I believe Yuvraj to have been the find of the tournament," he wrote.

In an extra-ordinary praise of the knocks by Yuvraj Singh and Kaif, Atherton said "the two innings must rank as the most defiant Indian gestures since Gandhi's march for salt in 1930."

"It will be of no consolation to Hussain or his team, but they played a full part in what was one of the best games of cricket I have ever seen. It was the perfect end to a wonderful tournament that has lit up the English season."

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