India's Shanthakumaran Sreesanth laughs during a training session in Trinidad. - Reuters

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP):

PACE BOWLER Shantakumaran Sreesanth dreamt of representing India in a World Cup from the moment he saw his national team turn out for the final four years ago.

Sreesanth was playing in the domestic Ranji Trophy when India lost to Australia in the 2003 World Cup final at Johannesburg. He hoped things would be different four years on, and aspired to be in the Indian side for the next World Cup.

Now 23 years old, Sreesanth made his international debut in 2005 and saw part of his dream come true when he was included in India's 15-member World Cup squad.

"Hopefully we'll win the World Cup this time and I will be part of it, we're all very optimistic," Sreesanth said.

"In 2003, I saw the final on a big screen with my state teammates and everyone was screaming in support of the national team," he added. "I wish India had won, they had a great chance ... anything can happen this time."

Sreesanth said he and his teammates set their individual goals, and collectively they are aimed at India winning the world title.

"The pressure is more about achieving our individual goals. If every member of the team gets their individual goals, we will win the World Cup," he said.

Four years after the missed chance of reclaiming the title India won in 1983 under the captaincy of Kapil Dev, Sreesanth finds himself lining up alongside some of his biggest heroes in the Indian squad.

"It was fun walking with the team at the opening ceremony. It felt really great, but it would be more wonderful if we win the final," he said.