"I don't know if this is my final World Cup. The one in 2011 is quitefar from here but it all depends on how my body is holding up," saidTendulkar as he graced a UNICEF function for fight against HIV-AIDS amongchildren.
Sure to warm Indian hearts, the maestro hints at being part of the action in the 2011 World Cup.
"I don't know if this is my final World Cup. The one in 2011 is quitefar from here but it all depends on how my body is holding up," saidTendulkar as he graced a UNICEF function for fight against HIV-AIDS amongchildren.
The 2011 edition, which would be Tendulkar's sixth World Cup, will beco-hosted by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The 34-year-old Mumbai batsman is set to play his fifth World Cup andcurrently holds the record for most runs scored in the mega event but yet totaste the glory of winning the Cup.
India had finished runners-up to Australia in the 2003 edition in SouthAfrica.
Tendulkar said his team had the quality to reach the finals but needed togain early momentum in the tournament.
"We can reach the finals. Our chances are very good but all we need isto stick to basics and gain an early momentum."
He, however, cited the example of the West Indies to stress the point thatone-day cricket was a game of uncertainties.
"West Indies were all out for 85 against us but they then defeatedPakistan. In one-day cricket, everyday is a new day.
"We can't take any opposition lightly. We can't afford to beover-confident. Since we would face very different oppositions, we need to haveflexibility in planning," he added.
Tendulkar played down all suggestions to his rivalry against Brian Lara andhoped the two batsmen, regarded by most as the best of the present era, willhelp inspire the next generation.
"I'm glad we both have been able to give some wonderful cricketing yearsto the world. We have extremely high regard for each other and are good friendsand that's what matters to us.
"Eventually, if we are able to inspire the next generation it wouldmatter more to us than runs scored or wickets taken.
"There is no rivalry between us. Cricket is not played amongindividuals, it's a team sport."
The little master, who holds most of the one-day records, including mostcenturies, runs and matches, devoted most of the afternoon in trying to promotethe cause dear to him.
He visited Robert Greenidge grounds in Gonzales, a parish in Port of Spain,where cheering children and youngsters were at hand to greet him.
Tendulkar cited a personal example to urge everyone to come together to fightagainst the deadly disease.
"Last year, I was in India in Chennai where a physically challenged boywas brought to me whose ambition was to play with my cricket bat. He was in awheel-chair, supported by a couple of people but the moment he held my bat, hestood on his own. It completely motivated me and showed where there is willthere is way."
Tendulkar said there was more to life than cricket and it was important forindividuals in positions to stand up for worthy causes.
"There is more to life than cricket. I am in a position to help so I goout and help."
PTI