Auckland, March 24: Having won a Test in New Zealand for the first time in his glittering career spanning two decades, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar is overjoyed at the feat that gives him a special place as one of the very few who have won Tests in all nations.

"It is good for us. It is exciting time for Indian cricket... better late than never," the Little Master said after a practice session at the Eden Park here on Tuesday.

"It has been quite satisfying. So many tours we were here earlier, but it wasn’t so good. The Test victory is very special. We have been able to achieve that in the last few years wherever we have travelled. I am glad that we made it possible here as well," the 35-year-old added. Tendulkar attributed the success to "all-round performance."

"We just needed a break and that break I thought we got in Zimbabwe (in 2001) which came after a long time. After that we went to the West Indies and won a Test there. We went to England, we won there. We went to South Africa, we won. We did that in Australia as well. So wherever we have travelled we have created an impact. That is what the nation was looking for, We are glad we have done it," a beaming Tendulkar said.

Team India is currently in high spirits, according to the legend. "We have always been happy. It is probably a happier bunch now. It has been fantastic so far and we are looking forward to the rest of the tour," he said.

Sachin also spoke about IPL moving away from India. "It is always special to play cricket in India. There is something like a home match and away match in India. I remember when we played in Mumbai it was special. Obviously in the other parts also we got some support. But it is like home match and away match that adds lot of excitement," he said, adding "however, wherever it is to be played we are quite okay."

That came at a price for sure. "It is tough to spend time away from home. It would force us to spend probably 45 days away from the family."

After the cloud of uncertainty, Tendulkar is happy that the second edition of the IPL is at least on. "People want to see this tournament happen. I am glad it is happening," he said.

However, Tendulkar did not want to comment when asked if it would be wise to change the format of the tournament from home and away basis to a round robin one. "To be honest I am focusing only on this series right now. It is not on my mind," he signed off.