A day after the comprehensive eight-wicket win against Zimbabwe in the first Test, every member of the Indian cricket team was savouring India's first Test victory outside the sub-continent in 15 years which had a different significance for each of them.

For the senior members of the team like Sachin Tendulkar and Javagal Srinath, who have been in international cricket for a number of years now, the win hasn't come a day too early.

"It is very thrilling. I hope it starts from here," said Tendulkar who played a major role in the victory with knocks of 74 and 36 not out in the two innings. "I would not like to compare it with any other Test win. But the boys are sticking together and it is a great sign. I hope it stays this way," he said.

Srinath, who took four wickets in the match, was more sombre. "This win was overdue. It was time we succeeded. We lost out on winning quite a few close games in the last few years. It is time we make up for those lost opportunities."

For Sourav Ganguly this was the fifth Test win in seven matches as captain and the stylish left-hander was obviously jubilant and echoed Srinath's views.

"There were occasions in the past when we came quite close to winning. There are so many Tests I can remember. There was one in Johannesburg, then Barbados, Wellington. Indeed Barbados was the saddest. We needed just 120 runs to win the game and couldn't do it," he said trying to put the victory in proper perspective.

Vice-captain Rahul Dravid was cautious in his hour of joy. "I am very happy at the moment. But there is still a lot of cricket to be played in the next one year. We have to keep our feet on the ground."

For the younger lot, the victory was a continuation of the celebrations that started with the stunning series win against Australia back home.

Wicket-keeper Samir Dighe, who came up with another determined batting display following his match-winning performance in the Chennai Test against the Australians, was very happy that he could contribute towards India's win.

"I am very fortunate that I have played two Tests so far and India has won both the games. It is a great satisfaction that I could play a role in the victory," Dighe, who made 47 runs in the first innings, said.

Similarly, Harbhajan Singh, hero of the series win against Australia, made a fine contribution both with bat and ball. "I am happy I am a member of this team," was all that he could say.

Having won the match inside four days, the Indians could afford to relax today. Even coach John Wright, the hard taskmaster that he is, had no objections. "They have earned a break," he said.

The Indians declined an offer of a safari from Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak who also invited them to visit his farmhouse in the afternoon and were more keen to catch the evening flight for Harare where the second Test starts on Thursday.

The Indians had a joint dinner at the hotel restaurant last evening and the celebrations continued late into the night. The secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India Jaywant Lele was the first one to call up and congratulate the team for its fine performance.

However, amidst all the partying the team was well aware that the win was just a start and the Indians had a hectic schedule abroad for the rest of the year during which they need to continue the good work.

"There is still a lot of cricket left in this tour and then over the next one year. We must retain our focus," Tendulkar said.

Srinath said the task was only half over. "We must not forget there is still a Test left in this series. We must not lose our overall objective in this moment of victory - and that is to win the series 2-0."

A final note of caution came from team manager Chetan Chauhan. "We can't afford to be complacent. The Zimbabweans have it in them to bounce back."

© PTI