Yes, but then it is a part of the Indian system. I was not the first person who was being criticised for being selected for that particular tour. There have been many others before. I believe Rahul Dravid was also being criticised for being selected for the same tour. These things keep happening. You should not worry too much about that. You have just to stick to your game and keep doing the good work.
Right from your Test debut you started setting high standards for yourself. Do you feel you have really lived up to your own high expectations so far and also that of your fans?
I would like to believe that I have done well so far, both in Tests as well as one-dayers. But, obviously, I have got something else on my mind. I have set certain standards for myself and I am going to achieve them.
There is a touch of elegance to your batting. Your left-handed stance adds to your poise and posture at the crease. Have you modelled your batting style on anyone particular?
No, I just play my natural game. I have never been coached that much by anybody. Whatever cricket I play is what comes naturally to me. I have never striven for technique. As long as I am scoring runs -- I am getting behind the ball, I am fine.
Your off-side play has come to be called a thing of beauty and joy forever. Even your detractors appreciate it secretly. How do you personally assess your own off-side game?
Yes, it's a strength of my game. Everybody has his strengths and weaknesses. I think my off-side play is just one of the strengths of my batting.
How do you look at your on-side play? Is there some scope for improvement?
My off-side is so strong. Obviously, I can't be the same in my leg-side. But I am a much better player in the on-side as well. I score freely on the on-side also.
You have played a string of good innings in Tests as well as one-day internationals. Can you recall any particular innings which gave you tremendous satisfaction in terms of technical perfection?
The hundred I scored at Lord's in my first Test. I thought I played really very well during that innings.
Is there any particular bowler who has troubled you a lot?
No, none in particular. But then at this level of the game all bowlers tend to be good. Cricket is so competitive, so professional today, that you have to be exceptionally good, whether you are a batsman, a bowler or a wicket-keeper.
Is there any psychological pressure while representing one's country at the international level?
Yes, there is some pressure. This is what you play for; this is what you work for your whole life, and this is what you enjoy as well. So, obviously, there is a bit of pressure. The more you play, the higher you go. The higher the expectations, the higher the pressure. But it makes you more tough, more determined. I just try and play my natural game and do my best in any situation.
Does education matter for an international cricketer?
Oh, yes, very much. It definitely matters a lot. I think education is a very important part of life. It teaches you how to be a decent human being. If cricket is a part of life, education is another big part of life. So I think all cricketers should at least get educated because education teaches them how to behave well, how to handle different situations. It also teaches them how to be good human beings.
Does it mean that those players who misbehave on the field sometimes, who forget their social responsibility, would not be doing so if they were properly educated?
No, such things don't come with education. It has nothing to do with education. I have seen educated people misbehave as well. I think it comes with everybody's standard and attitude. But there is no denying the value of education for one and all.
What is your academic record?
I am a commerce graduate from St. Xavier's college, Calcutta. I was doing my MBA when I got selected. So my studies finished there.
Were you a brilliant student?
I don't know whether I was a brilliant student, but I was a student.
Do you read much?
No, I am not a big reader.
How would you react to sledging if somebody practices it when you are batting?
Well, as long as it does not go out of control, it is fine.
Does it instigate you or motivate you to do better as a batsman?
Nothing of the sort, really. I am indifferent to such things. I just play my game. I don't bother what somebody else is doing.
But do you believe in sledging, personally?
I have never done that in my life. I don't think it serves any purpose.
How much emphasis do you put on thinking in a game like cricket?
Very much. All players have got to be thinking cricketers. If you don't think, you won't survive in this game. Every day is a new day. So many new things keep happening that you always have to think about your game, what you are going to do in the middle, and so on. So, obviously, you have to be a thinking man if you are playing cricket.
There is growing criticism of your running between the wickets. How far true is it?
I don't know. I have never heard of it. As long as I am scoring runs and I am being able to contribute to the team in winning, I am happy.
How would you rate your own bowling?
Well, I love my bowling. I take it very seriously. And whatever little opportunity I get to bowl, I enjoy it.
Wouldn't you love to bowl longer spells in Tests?
Yes, why not. If the captain wants me to bowl longer spells, I am always ready.
But what if it may affect your batting?
No, it won't, I am sure.
Has marriage changed you as a cricketer and as a person?
No. I think both as a cricketer and as a person I remain the same as I was before getting married.
Any particular ambition in life?
No, nothing yet.
Would you like to lead India in Test cricket in future?
I don't know. I haven't thought about it.
What is your philosophy in life?
Be a nice human being.
Interviews