‘Earlier I was aggressive, now I watch each of my shots’

A: Yes that’s true. In fact, we have the world’s best batting line-up. There is no doubt about it in my mind. The pressure is equitably distributed today—down to the seventh man in the batting order. India are really in safe hands.

Q: How much do you believe you have changed as a batsman over the years?

A: Earlier, I used to play a lot of aggressive shots. Then I was young and I did not have too much responsibility. Over a period of time my responsibilities have grown. Now I do watch each of my shots.

Q: Do you put too much pressure on yourself?

A: If you are going to appear in an SSC exam you aim for 95 per cent or for a first class result. Yes, I agree, I do take a lot of extra pressure. That’s my way of doing it when I start the innings.

Q: Are you still the quintessential perfectionist?

A: See you are always not going to be playing the same way. It’s not a machine but a body. Sometimes your mind and body think differently. Sometimes the body also does get a bit stiff. I am pretty satisfied with the way I am doing. It is a constant learning process for me.

Q: What has been the influence of John Wright on the team?

A: He has done a good job with the team. Very committed and determined. He has ideas for the team to work on all the time. In fact, I get into discussions with him every 45 minutes. Yes. I think he should be re-appointed when his contract comes up for renewal.

Q: In this series you have been bowling very well. Have you taken more wickets than Shoaib or is it the other way round?

A: (Laughs) Either way it’s challenging. Basically the idea is to go out and enjoy yourself. You try and give 100 per cent so that you can come up with better performance. We try as a team and also as individuals. I have been working on my bowling little here and there in the nets, but I am not like a regular bowler.

Q: Finally, is India’s away-Test series jinx over?

A: Not yet, it’s not been broken yet. We still need to get those eight wickets. Surely, we’ll try to get them as early as possible tomorrow. That’s when we can think of celebrating. But nothing happens before that. We can smell blood, but you know there is a long way to go.

It’s a funny old game, no one wants to take anything for granted. It’s (cricket) a greatest leveller, so we will be on our toes until the last wicket falls.