On whether Tendulkar will be able to play 500 ODIs, Ponting said, "I have read somewhere he's going to play the next World Cup in 2011. In that case, I am sure he will go past that mark." The Tasmanian, however, thought that his chances of playing in 400 ODIs looked remote at the moment.

"We play a lot less ODIs than the Indians. I have played 240-plus ODIs and the thought of doubling that figure is daunting," he said. (Agencies)