Sachin Tendulkar insisted he never lost faith in his ability during a run of poor form that ended with 220 not out against Australia in Sydney.
The Indian batsman went into the game without a Test century since November 2002 but hit 30 fours and shared a stand of 353 with VVS Laxman.
"I knew a big innings was around the corner and it was just a matter of hanging in there," he said.
He has now scored 32 Test centuries, two fewer than Sunil Gavaskar's record.
"It's very relieving, especially when you've not had a good series," Tendulkar commented.
"It's not that I wasn't batting well, I was just missing out on one particular ball - instead of getting beaten I was nicking it."
India ended the second day's play on 650-5, and Australia will now need some equally inspired batting to revive skipper Steve Waugh's hopes of ending his Test career with a victory.
"This innings was particularly important because being Steve's last Test, he'll always be remembered," Tendulkar added.
Laxman's 178 was equally important for the tourists, and he cited Waugh as one of his cricket heroes.
"I would like to dedicate this hundred to my parents, who have been a great source of inspiration for me. And also to Steve Waugh....watching him play always gave me a lot of
He added: "It's always a great learning experience batting with Sachin.
"When you're at the non-strikers' end and you're watching the best batsman in the world play, it's an on-going learning process for me.
"Any overseas hundred is very special to me, and against Australia it definitely gives more satisfaction."
Despite the match situation, Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist insisted they had not given up hope, although the prospects of winning were now remote.
"It's just been a real challenge for us to try to find ways
of getting these guys out. It's been tough work. it's been
physically and mentally taxing," he said.