Sachin Tendulkar hailed his teammates after Mumbai beat Bengal in the Ranji Trophy Super League final on Monday.
"I am very, very happy that we have won the Ranji Trophy," Tendulkar told rediff.com.
The master batsman put Mumbai on the victory path with a crucial century in the first innings, as the hosts won by 132 runs, on day four of the five-day final at the Wankhede stadium, to claim their 37th Ranji Trophy crown.
Tendulkar only played in the final, his first domestic match for Mumbai since the 2003 Irani Trophy tournament in Chennai.
Few had given Mumbai a chance of making it to the final as they failed to log a point after three matches, and were then reduced to a disastrous 0 for 5 wickets in the semi-final against Baroda. But the team, coached by Pravin Amre, overcame all odds and came out trumps against a Sourav Ganguly-inspired Bengal.
"All credit to the youngsters who fought all the way from the start of the season. There were a lot of people who were doubting Mumbai cricket's second string capability and I think that they have responded quite magnificently," Tendulkar added.
India fast bowler Zaheer Khan was another key architect in Mumbai's triumph, claiming nine wickets in the final. His first innings haul of 5 for 40 proved decisive as Bengal were shot out for a lowly 143 in reply to Mumbai's 320.
It was Zaheer's first match for Mumbai after moving over from Baroda.
"It was very special, because after 10 years I have made my debut for Mumbai. When I came here in 1996 I really wanted to play Ranji Trophy for Mumbai and then play at a higher level. Unfortunately, then, it didn't happen because of various reasons. Now I have an opportunity to represent Mumbai cricket and I am just happy to be back. It's a great achievement that we have won the final match," Zaheer said.
The left-armer admitted that there was some pressure playing in front of home fans, but added he was confident of his team's abilities.
"This was the 37th time that we became champions. The pressure of playing for Mumbai is always there. We knew that if we play to our potential we would be successful; so that was on our mind. We all were confident right from day one and I am very happy that we finished the job in style," he added.
Zaheer credited captain Amol Muzumdar and coach Amre, who, he said, kept fighting despite all odds in the group stages of the competition.
"The hard work put in by all the players in the team has paid off. Initially, Mumbai was struggling at the start of the season, so it was a great achievement on their part to get their team to the final.
"Obviously, in the final match, the responsibility was on us [Tendulkar, Ajit Agarkar, Ramesh Powar and him] as we are playing at the international level. We were excited that we were playing in the final and it was great to win the match," the left-armer said.
The 28-year-old has evolved as a major bowling force since making it back to the Indian team for the tour of South Africa. He feels that the county stint with Worcestershire was instrumental in getting back to his bowling peak.
"The county stint was very helpful and then that was backed by good performances at the international level also. In South Africa, the rhythm was good. Basically, when the bowling rhythm is good, the confidence is back and that's what I say is the important thing," Zaheer said.
Zaheer and Tendulkar were at a function to unveil Dilip Vengsarkar's wife Manali's signature jewellery collection at a shop in suburban Mumbai.
