Pressure is something you live with and learn to handle8217;

AJ: That depends on so many things. In the beginning of a season you have to go back to the basics, make sure eyes are on the ball, hands soft. That is what you have been doing all your life, still the drill must be gone through. Practice gives you confidence.

Q: Does the throw change over a period?

AJ: Yes it does. Sometimes you throw over the shoulder, at other times it is sideways and flat, maybe to reach the keeper/fielder on the bounce. This could be the quickest throw provided the ground is hard, otherwise the ball may just die after landing. My style of throwing has also changed. It is seen that on tour, in the beginning, everyone is throwing hard. Later, the speed reduces, throws become less powerful.

Q: What is normal practice?

AJ: I don8217;t like the normal method of players taking one catch at a time, waiting in turns to hold catches. That is too routine.When you know the ball is being hit at you the whole thing becomes different. Waiting for your turn is a waste of time. I8217;d rather have 10 minutes of intense practice than wait for 20 catches in one hour.

I don8217;t like catches being hit with a straight bat that is too easy. I field at point and square leg; at both places the ball changes direction. Catches here are more difficult to judge, there is less time to react. When the ball is picked up straight you can make out what the batsman wants to do, whether he will defend or play an attacking shot. However, while cutting or pulling you have to actually wait till the shot is played. That is why you have to react and only then move to cut off the ball.

Q: What are you aiming to do during the practice?

AJ: You must look at the bowler on his run-up because he may want to shift you. There could be, for example, an indication for a slower ball. But once he starts running in, look at the batsman. Fielding is all about reacting after the ball has hit thebat. Many people may beat you in a sprint during practice but in a match someone else may reach the ball first because of better, quicker reaction! That is why a match is so different.A good fielder has the extra sense 8212; the ability to know where the ball will go from the way the bat is picked up. A lot of people talk of moving/being there before a shot is played. I think what matters is reaction. If a particular batsman is cutting you know it is coming to you, but he could still play fine or in front. That8217;s why reaction matters most. People make the mistake of confusing this with anticipation. Fielding is like an athlete going off the blocks.

Q: What are key fielding positions?

AJ: Point, cover, square leg, short mid-wicket. This also depends on the batsman. Sachin is strongest at mid-off and mid-wicket, that is why Sri Lanka always put Muralitharan or Jayasuriya there. The captain must know about the strength of opposition8217;s batsmen and place his fielders accordingly to plug runs. Rightdeployment makes a major difference.

Q: How can you improve as a fielder?

AJ: There is always scope to do better. Any fielder could do with more speed and reduce reaction time. One would also like to hit the stumps more often. Aiming at one stump in practice is fine but match conditions are altogether different 8212; there is pressure, anxiety, tension.

Q: How much role does pressure play?

AJ: A great deal. Anyone who says something different is lying. Pressure is there all the time, it is something you live with, something you must learn to handle. Problem is pressure increases when you make a mistake. Surprisingly, very often, the good fielders get away even when they make a mistake. For example, if someone else has had a bad tour, like I had recently in New Zealand, then people will question your presence in the team.

Q: How do others react to your mistakes?

AJ: Actually there is more surprise than anger. They understand. But inside me there is a lot of tension, more so, ifyou drop catches continuously. Then, obviously, there is a basic mistake which needs correction and you must work hard during practice.