Athlete

From a small age, we used to play a lot of school cricket: 30-35 games in a year in school cricket, then Under-16 games.

I never thought of making my India debut right after the U-19 win. I took it match by match.

Personally, whichever ball is lose, I will smash that ball.

I will make sure I will not go in the wrong path. I will get experience playing in IPL. I will talk with Ricky Ponting sir, Pravin Amre sir, and all the other support staff. I will enjoy over there.

My father didn't know about cricket. Then, one of my father's friend advised him to take me to a coaching camp.

For India, it is all about whatever number they want me to bat and not the other way round.

Whenever you play international cricket, there is always a challenge.

Becoming World Cup captain, I can't express in words the feeling and thanks to everyone.

No one in the Indian team gave me tips, but I should be mature enough to grasp little things by watching them train and play.

It's a lot of fun to play for your school with friends.

I usually don't get much free time. Cricket keeps me busy, and I like it that way.

Once you graduate from the Under-19 level, no one really gives you technical advice. It is all about making mental adjustments.

Whatever opportunities I got after the Under-19 World Cup, I tried to make most of it and do my best for the team.

I think the more you practise batting, follow the drills, the better you get.

It was a dream come true to meet GR Viswanath sir, who is a legend in the game.

I earlier used to stay in Virar, and I was coached by Santosh Pingulkar.

To represent your country is the ultimate honour, and to play Test cricket for India will be the ultimate fulfilment of my cricketing ambition.

Tendulkar is my idol in cricket, and one thing I try to pick up from him is how he carries himself in a humble manner.

When you play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, you face the same bowler next year. But when you play in IPL, you face bowlers of different calibre.

I learnt a lot about how to react to tough, pressure situations.