When did you start dreaming about being a part of the Indian team?
It has been a dream all along. From the day I started playing cricket. I think every cricketer should have that dream. It is that dream that keeps you going and helps you give that extra bit.
Has it become extremely competitive these days? Many players find it difficult to have a permanent place in the team.
It is not easy when you are representing the nation. When you are representing millions of people, you are scrutinised and have to be on your toes all the time. When there is a slump in form, people will criticise you. You are looked at as gods when you do well, and you are dumped when you perform badly. That is how it is in India.
Is it frightening for a young player?
It is. It all depends on how you battle it out mentally.
How do you keep yourself mentally strong?
I don't think of anything; I just go there and play the game. I do a little bit of yoga in the morning. Do pranayama and all that. Nobody can actually guide you to be mentally strong, because you are all alone when you are facing the ball on the field. One day you are up and another day down.
You were there with L Balaji practising in the morning. There was a time the whole of India was chanting his name; today he is virtually forgotten. When you see him what kind of feeling do you get?
It is really bad. He has seen the highest and the lowest too. That is what cricket is. We are very good friends. I have been playing cricket for seven years with him. I am sure he is strong enough to face this period and will come back. It is only a matter of time.
Who is your critic?
My dad. He very rarely says, 'Well played'. When he says, 'Good', you know you have played really well. It is good because he is the one who keeps me on my toes all the time. He is all the time guiding me to do more.
If you want to play international cricket, you have to be constantly learning. You can never say you have everything. To stay at the top, you can't afford to relax.
Are you waiting for a call for the West Indies tour?
I am ready all the time. Let us see what god has kept in store for me.
Are you a very religious person?
Not much. I pray to god, but very rarely do I go to temples. I believe in a higher power. And I believe that whatever you do, if god doesn't want you to get runs in a match, you will not. There is a power beyond you. But I don't believe that that power will take care of everything.
It is you who have to do everything. I feel luck will favour the person who works hard.
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