Ganguly wants Tendulkar to fire at the 2011 World Cup

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly wants Sachin Tendulkar to fire at the 2011 World Cup.

On the eve of Tendulkar's 20th year in international cricket here Saturday, Ganguly said: "I hope he keeps on firing. If he fires in the 2011 World Cup and leaves an impact in the team then India could have a big time."

Describing Tendulkar as the best role model for sportsmen, all-rounder Irfan Pathan also wants to see the master blaster as a member of the World Cup winning team in 2011.

India, alongside Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, are hosting the 2011 World Cup.

Ganguly congratulated Tendulkar for completing 20 years in top flight cricket.

"It's a fantastic achievement playing 20 years for the country. Perhaps he is the best batsman I have seen," he said.

He recalled his maiden interaction with Tendulkar in the under-15 national camp at Indore in 1987-88.

"I had heard a lot about him because even then he was making news. He was considered a special talent and has lived upto expectation for two decades," he said.

Describing himself as fortunate for playing over 300 matches with Tendulkar, Ganguly said he has fond memories of the Mumbaikar on and off the field.

"I treasure these experiences. We have many sweet memories," he said.

Ganguly termed Tendulkar's 175 at Hyderabad against Australia as his best One-day International innings.

"It was perhaps his best ODI innngs. At least the best I have seen," he said.

Last updated on Nov 14^th, 2009 at 19:13 pm IST--IANS