We definitely have more match winners now: Sachin

Sachin Tendulkar feels the Indian team has never had as many match winners as it has right now and the side's fast-improving overseas record is a result of their consistent performance.

"I think we definitely have more match winners. There were good players earlier as well. But I think in this lot we have got match winners and more big hitters as such and you know the guys have delivered at the crunch moment," Tendulkar told reporters after India beat Sri Lanka by 46 runs to win the ODI tri-series.

"It could be with bat or bowl. But they have been delivering pretty consistently and you know they are all talented guys, extremely talented guys. You need match winners to win consistently. That is what this team is about," he added.

"There might be a couple of hiccups here and there but on the whole if you see the guys have really done well."

Part of the Indian team for the past two decades, Tendulkar declared the current one led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni as one of the best.

"I have been fortunate to be part of Indian cricket team from 1989. There have been so many great names. I would not want to run anyone down by making comparisons about teams," he said.

"I would like to respect the fact that I was fortunate to be part of various generations. This is definitely one of the top teams I have been part of," Tendulkar added.

"We have always tried to win but we have been able to produce results in the last couple of years or so. We have been able to perform pretty consistently. There are going to be upsets in between but if you look at the larger picture, we have had better days."

After hitting his 44th ODI hundred while battling cramps, the 36-year-old Tendulkar said players like him and Sri Lankan veteran Sanath Jayasuriya have proved that age is just a number.

"I don't think age has any relevance here. Eventually what you do is all that matters. How much you contribute is more important. I think the age factor is not of relevance. It is about contribution," he asserted. 

Tendulkar was making a comeback of sorts after taking a five-month break but the Mumbaiker said he was well prepared.

"One had to be mentally tough. I knew it was going to be tough. I was prepared for that, to score runs you have to run.  You have to be out for at least 40 overs or so. That was the game plan. We kept changing the pace of the game," he said.

"I knew I had to play a longish innings here. Even if there were a few dot balls, doesn't matter but once you put up a decent total on the board, the pressure will be on the Lankans," he added. 

Asked whether there was something he still dreamed of achieving in his long career, Tendulkar said he just wants to enjoy the game.

"It is not only about chasing dreams. I am enjoying the game. My effort will be to try and keep playing the game and help win matches. I would not like to say anything about the dream list. The enjoyment factor is extremely important," he said.