Consistency key to India’s Cup hopes
opener too but it’s always what the team wants from me.
How do you rate India’s World Cup chances?
India’s chances are really high. I feel we are the favourites. But it is important to play consistent cricket. The (all teams play each other) format is new and if you get momentum early on, you have to carry it into the knockouts, where consistency will be very important.
Where do you think you missed out on a berth?
If you see my ODI record, it’s really good. Whenever I got an opportunity as a No 4 or opener, I did really well. I can only focus and control that, scoring runs. Other things, I cannot control. For me, I did exceptionally well in ODI cricket in the last 2-3 years in whatever limited opportunities I got. I always believe in myself and focus on controllable things. If I can play cricket with a good attitude and passionately, other things will fall (in place) automatically.
How difficult is it to switch from T20 to a 50-over World Cup?
I don’t think it is difficult because we are all used to it. We play Test cricket and then next day we go play T20. Players are used to this format and every player will adjust to it very quickly. It’s all about having that good mental space and mindset. Recovery is very important for each player. The IPL season was very hectic. Recovery and rehab and all the strengthening sessions, apart from your cricketing skills, are very important.
Your thoughts on playing County cricket with Hampshire.
I am really excited. It’s my first stint with Hampshire and I’m looking forward to it and (hope I) get to learn many things about batting and in general about cricket. It’s going to be a different experience altogether. I spoke to Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, (and) they told me ‘we learnt so many things from County stint … just enjoy yourself, enjoy your cricket and give your best.’