'I've been consistent, and I'll continue to perform well'

How would you describe yourself as a batsman?

I think I'm a natural batsman. I play all my shots. I think my eyesight and my concentration are two of my plus points. I can show a rock-like defence during a time of crisis, but I can also bat aggressively when required. I've no problem against any sort of bowling on any wicket. I can handle both spinners as well as fast bowlers pretty confidently.

There seems to be a method to the way you build your innings. Is there any structured thought process that goes into this?

Nothing of the sort; I just go out there in the middle and try to play my natural game. I usually bat according to situation, although I never tried to curb my natural game. If it is a one-day match, I tend to be cautious for a while and then try to go after the bowlers. But if it's a long-duration match, I always opt for a judicious mix of defense and aggression.

Having said that, you really can't plan how you'll go about playing your innings while sitting in the dressing room and awaiting your turn. The situation might change dramatically after you go out there, and you may have to change your strategy and play according to the prevailing circumstances, keeping the best interest of your team in mind.

Is there any area in your batting where there is scope for improvement?

I'm not happy with my footwork. It has to be swifter to enable me to play my shots in a much better way. I've also to be more consistent and score very, very heavily.

You missed, at the proverbial 11th hour, the chance to go to Australia on the annual Border-Gavaskar scholarship, to stay and train at Griffith University's Centre for Excellence in Adelaide...

It was very difficult to digest, frankly speaking. All of a sudden, my dream was turned into disappointment. I wasn't yet 18 at the time, and as per the Australian institution's rules, a foreign-born under-18 cricketer has to be accompanied by a guardian.

The National Cricket Academy as well as Saurashtra Cricket Association weren't ready to bear the extra cost, and my family just couldn't afford it. For this reason, I couldn't go to Australia, despite being chosen as one of three junior Indian players (the other two were V R V Singh and R P Singh) for training at the academy. Faiz Fazal of Vidarbha was sent as replacement for me.

Who are the batsmen you admire the most?

Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly -- and Ricky Ponting, too, of course. I'm too young too say anything more about these great batsmen. They're so enormously talented and their performances and achievements are in keeping with their class and calibre. They're like role-models to young batsmen of any generation, not just mine.

Is any one of them your role -model?

Well, not exactly. But I like the way Dravid bats. You can learn a lot even from watching him bat in the nets.

Who are your favorite bowlers?

Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. Again, I wouldn't like to say anything more about these two champions. Their talents, their records are there for all to see and derive inspiration from.

When do you feel sad?

When I lose my wicket to a rank bad or careless shot; when I get out cheaply; and also when I let my team down.

When do you feel happy?

I feel happy when I score runs, when I hit a century and when my team wins.

How much do you practice in a day?

When I'm not traveling or playing a match, I usually practice for many hours in the morning and in the evening. As I told you, I've no other interests in life. Cricket is everything for me.

How do you relax?

By meditating and worshipping God.

Do you ever cry?

Generally I never cry. Even when my mother passed away, I didn't cry for several days, though I was feeling so sad and disturbed from within.

What would you be if you weren't a cricketer?

I really don't know. But then I just can't imagine myself being other than a cricketer.

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A talent for tomorrow		What Dravid and others say about Pujara

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