'You learn a lot when you struggle'

You had a dream start to your career. How difficult was it to come to terms with being dropped?
It was a difficult phase. Nobody likes being dropped. It's a good learning curve. I have been out of the team for almost three years now. So from whatever I have learned I have become a more mature person. Whenever I get the opportunity to play again, I will be stronger.

What was the message from the selectors when they dropped you?
After having been there for three years, I knew what I needed to work on. I didn't speak to the selectors about why I was not picked and all that. I don't get into that stuff at all. My focus is to just play the game.

What have you learned over the least three years?
After being dropped, life has definitely become tougher. It depends on the individual, how he takes it. I have taken it in a positive way. I have decided, whatever experience comes, to just take it along. I have become a more positive person, both on and off the field, which is definitely helping me.

You said about two years ago that the most important thing you learned was to struggle. Can you elaborate on that?
The struggling part is the most important part of your career. That's when you learn how to tackle tough situations, how to come out of them. You always walk easily when the path is clear. But when you have to struggle, play domestic cricket, go to different places - small towns, play on different wickets - you learn and experience a lot of things. You have to be mentally tough for that.

You played international cricket before the Ranji trophy. What was that like?
[smiles] I was under a lot of pressure in the last couple of Tests I played. Everyone was right on me. A first-class debut is the biggest thing for any cricketer: to be able to say, "I am a first-class cricketer." But before I played my first Ranji game, I had already played 19 Tests. That was a different kind of thing, which I am sure not many have experienced.

Was it relief to get away from all the pressure?
I was a bit relieved, for sure. I got time to work on my fitness, my technique.

While playing Test cricket, did you ever fear that everything was coming too easy?
If you don't play domestic games and are playing Test cricket, you feel the game is easy. But coming back is the big thing. Everybody has to go through that circle. I started at the top, but I'm still making that circle.

Did you agree then that you were lacking somewhere in your wicketkeeping?
I don't agree with that. I don't think there was anything wrong with my wicketkeeping, or that my technique was not right, or that I was grabbing at the ball. The thing that I probably lacked was concentration and a bit of fitness. I have worked on it. Whatever lapses used to come were towards the end of the day. I analysed that and realised I needed to get fitter and stronger. I was lacking a bit in fitness. Not that I was unfit. But I wasn't fit enough. I have worked on that - now I am moving well and taking the ball nicely.

Have you always been a batsman primarily or a keeper first and then a batsman?
Always been a keeper-batsman since my Under-14 days. If you compare keeping and batting, I don't work as hard on the batting. Maybe I don't take too much pressure while batting; I just go out and enjoy. In the last few months I have worked hard on my batting.

What specific work have you done on your batting?
Not much. I just worked on my concentration. I work for longer periods. Before leaving for Zimbabwe for the A tour, I used to bat five hours a day in the nets.

Have you been working with any ex-wicketkeepers?
No.

So if you were to play as a batsman alone, would it put more pressure on you?
I don't think it would put any kind of pressure. I would, in fact, be happier because that would be the only thing I will have to do - so I can work on my batting alone.

Do you enjoy wicketkeeping more?
Absolutely.

Given that there are there two wicketkeepers already, and you are in prime batting form, what if you are not selected?
I am not bothered about the selection at all. I am just enjoying my game. Whatever opportunities I get, I am performing. Selection is an added pressure. If it has to happen, it will happen.

With every good innings you play, do you think you are getting closer to the Indian team?
[smiles] I am not thinking in those terms - that I am going towards anything. As a cricketer, every innings I have played has been quite positive.

But doesn't that feeling set in subconsciously?
It does. It's difficult, but I am trying to stay away from it.

Were you surprised when you were picked for the Pakistan tour in early 2006? Did it seem like the recall was coming too soon?
I wasn't surprised. I was playing well in domestic cricket. I was surprised at not being picked for the Board President's XI, and not being considered after it.

What was opening against Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami like?
They were quite quick. I had faced Brett Lee before, but Shoaib and Sami with the new ball were quite difficult to negotiate.

When were you told you would be opening?
I was asked to be ready a day before the match. I wasn't sure but I was asked to be ready. It just happened that I was batting well at nets and I was in good rhythm.

What have been the most cherished moments in your career so far?
Making a Test debut is a big moment for anybody. Beating Pakistan in Pakistan and playing a major role - I opened the innings - was a big thing. Reaching the World Cup final was big too.