The Maverick!

 

 

The South African tour was a path breaking one for you. What was going through your mind before the series started? What was going to be your approach?

Back in South Africa, the conditions were pretty helpful. I was a bit worried that will I be able to perform well or not. Then I looked up to God and the team for full support and my team told me that I could do it. I always knew that something big was coming. I was confident and I kept working hard. I’m glad that it all worked out.

IPL beckons. How are you gearing up for the challenge?

I’m really prepared. I have been working hard and have participated in a lot of training sessions. I’ve been talking to Venkatesh Prasad and all the team members. I believe in myself and I just want to bowl well.

The T20 World Cup must have been a great experience. Lots of memorable moments for you, last over in the first game against Pakistan and the catch of Misbah in the final... what was going through your mind?

Last catch, I went completely blank. I was watching the ball come to me and I was prepared. I was one of the few lucky ones to have played in that tournament (T20 World Cup). It was great and I thank God for that.

The Border-Gavaskar Series was marked with sledging and bad blood. Was it a conscious effort from the team to fight fire with fire? Did you want to give the Aussies a taste of their own medicine?

All I can say is that you get what you give. How did cricket happen to you? You were initially a leg-spinner and then shifted to fast bowling. How did the shift happen?

My parents always used to force me to study and I enjoyed studying. It used to be fun competing with other students. I played cricket because I loved it. I started as a leg spinner. But I always wanted to bowl faster than my brother. He used to bowl fast and I wanted to bowl faster than him. That’s how it all started.

How supportive were your parents in this decision of yours? What advice do you get from them? What do they have to say on the controversies surrounding you?

I was very lucky as they were very cooperative. They have been supporting me since class six. I was in Cochin and they sent me to Bengaluru all alone. It was a tough decision and there was tough competition. I really enjoyed it because it constituted great challenges for me. But you learn as you grow older so I should say thanks to my parents…they’re great.

Who do you consider as your idol?

Right now it would be Bret Lee. My dream is to be like him and to try and match his standards.

Being in the same league of bowlers like Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, what did you get to learn from each of them?

I’m lucky to have played with them. They’re great players and I learn a lot from them. We talk a lot and that’s why we are a good team and we help each other a lot. There are many who have said that most Indian bowlers lack speed as compared to Shoaib Akhtar and Lee. Your take on that...

All I can say is that Lee touched 150 km/h in the last series and I did 153 km/h. I don’t know how many noticed that, as almost everyone was focussing on my aggression. I’m getting there, I’m just two years old in this.

We have all seen your dancing skills on the field, more than once. Apart from dancing, what are your other interests, off the field?

I love dancing and I love music. I love reading and I also love talking to people and making friends. I’m just a normal guy.

Tell us something about your most cherished possession?

Everything is a cherished possession. The cap that Sachin Tendulkar gave me when I made my debut. It’s still with me...I never wear it.

Tell us your most cherished relationship? How do you keep in touch?

My school friends. I still go out with them. They are in the different parts of the world, however. Luckily I get to travel all around the world and I keep meeting them.

Favourite actor and actress?

Favourite actor is Amitabh Bachchan and favourite actress is Madhu Bala. Preity Zinta from the current ones.

Dismissing which batsman gave you the most satisfaction?

I don’t find it tough to bowl to anyone. I take it all as a challenge.

Finally, what milestones do you plan to achieve before you retire?

I’m just playing my game. I’ll think of retirement after around 10 years.