WI played in the right spirit: Tendulkar

Even as the India fussed over Sachin Tendulkar's farewell series, West Indies disappointed with some poor cricket to lose both the Tests within three days, leaving fans begging for more action. The likes of Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Darren Bravo failed to score big while their bowlers, barring Shane Shillingford, were unsuccessful in stopping the Indian batting juggernaut. Consequently, India crushed the visitors by innings margins in Kolkata and Mumbai, the venues for Tendulkar's last two Tests. Commentators were unsparing in their criticism of the West Indies attitude, slamming captain Darren Sammy for appearing lackadaisical and playing inappropriate shots at critical junctures. However, Tendulkar said that he believed West Indies was a "terrific side" and empathised with the Caribbean side for failing to make a mark in his swansong. "West Indies have world class players. Cricket is the greatest leveler and there are ups and downs. There are times when we have not done well and we have been in the same boat as them, so we know how they feel. "They are a terrific side and they play cricket in the right spirit. As long as you play cricket the way it is supposed to be played, that is all that matters," said Tendulkar in a packed press conference on Sunday, a day after he retired as an Indian cricketer. Tendulkar also explained his decision to go back to pitch in an offer of benediction after a last lap around the Wankhede Stadium with his teammates: "The 22 yards is like a temple for me, I just wanted to say a big thank you to cricket. That's what I did Saturday. I thanked cricket for everything I have got in my life." Tendulkar has been respected the world over for the way he played the game, making friends in virtually every team he was up against. Among his biggest admirers were legends like Shane Warne, Brian Lara, Wasim Akaram and Glenn McGrath, who held the Indian batting maestro in high regard for playing in the right spirit, an attribute Tendulkar himself found against his last adversaries in international cricket.