If one man is representing India in cricket, then yes, blame that person when things go wrong.
It’s important to work hard – there’s no short cut around that.
I have never believed in comparisons, whether they are about different eras, players or coaches.
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.
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.
When I walk into bat, I should know that ‘Yes, I’ve prepared to the best of my ability. I couldn’t have done anything better.’ That is when I feel that I am ready to go out and play.
To me, pre-match preparation is extremely important because that’s something which is within my control.
I’m confident and I trust my instincts.
I fail sometimes, I succeed sometimes, so that’s fair enough. It’s a package deal. It comes with that package: failures and success.
It’s about not accepting every challenge thrown at you. Sometimes you hold back and when it’s needed you go for it.
I have played for 15 years and it has been a dream.
Obviously after such a long gap, one itches to get back to the game and score big runs.
New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori is a very good bowler.
My point of view is that when I am playing cricket I cannot think that this game is less or more important.