'Perth triumph impressive but Kolkata was more special'

Agencies

Posted online: Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 1821 hrs IST

New Delhi, January 19:
Former India captain Kapil Dev lauded Anil Kumble's men for beating the odds to end Australia's winning run in Perth but felt the victory, though impressive, pales in comparison to the 2001 Kolkata-Test triumph under Sourav Ganguly.

"It is a great victory at that, though I consider India beating Steve Waugh's team in Kolkata was a greater one," Kapil said.

The former all-rounder, however, made it clear that Saturday's victory had its own special place because of the extraordinary circumstances under which it was achieved.

"Today's win is a great and brilliant victory coming under extraneous circumstances. It is a win that boosts the pride of every Indian because every chip was down and against India's favour," he said.

Kapil said the Indians were the underdogs going into the match but did well to come out trumps.

"Any cricketer at world level, be it Indian or otherwise, would not have given even 10 per cent chance to India before the match," he said.