Wasim and Waqar were amazing bowlers. I would put them right up there with the best in the world.
There are a few players who don’t like to think about the game.
Along with the talent, you also need direction.
In any profession, there are always ups and downs.
But eventually it is a game of cricket.
Before coming here I had a minor back problem and I thought whenever I play Pakistan I get a back problem.
If efforts to do social work are couched in selfish motives, then they will die a premature death. Why would my efforts get politicised? I have values I inherited from my father. He helped many. Anyone, even a postman knocking on our door would get a glass of water and some sweets.
I have never thought where I will go, or forced any targets on myself.
At least with me, the match starts much, much earlier than the actual match.
I have never believed in comparisons, whether they are about different eras, players or coaches.
I always had a dream to play for India but I never let it put pressure on me.
I get 0.5 seconds to react to a ball, sometimes even less than that. I can’t be thinking of what XYZ has said about me. I need to surrender myself to my natural instincts. My subconscious mind knows exactly what to do. It is trained to react. At home, my family doesn’t discuss media coverage.
I hate losing and cricket being my first love, once I enter the ground it’s a different zone altogether and that hunger for winning is always there.
If one man is representing India in cricket, then yes, blame that person when things go wrong.
Beating Pakistan is always special because they are a tough team and we have a bit if a history regarding Pakistan.
It has been very good here, but the World Cup game was different. It had a different significance to it.
Lara’s done very well recently and I never had any doubts about the abilities of Lara or Waugh.
There have been ups and downs, but it has taught us a lot in life. Going with the team through those ups and downs is a terrific journey.
Any team sport, there are certain team targets and those targets should always be in the forefront.
I believe in controlling the control elements. Something where we don’t have control on certain things, those things you obviously cannot waste your energy in trying to figure out ‘How can I control this?’ You would much rather focus all your energy on the things that you can control.