You have become a star since the auction…You have become a star since the auction…
They are really happy for me back home. The ‘star’ and ‘price’ tags can work both ways. It could be good to you or bad to you. I just want to keep it simple and stay calm. It doesn’t excite me much.
How has the IPL experience been so far?
Pretty exciting. When you get support from a crowd of 50,000-60,000, you get extra motivation. I had seen such crowds during the Champions League, but this time the crowd seems to be behind us. The difference is also in the culture here. Playing for the West Indies and playing for an Australian team is surely different from playing for Mumbai Indians. The pitches are different and the conditions are not similar. The atmosphere here is carnival-like. But cricket-wise, there is not much of a difference. It’s been an honour playing for Mumbai Indians in India. The biggest difference is sharing the dressing room with Sachin Tendulkar.
Why do you say that? What is it in Sachin Tendulkar that wows you?
Why do you say that? What is it in Sachin Tendulkar that wows you?
It is his business of playing. The way he prepares is amazing. He is always a step ahead of the bowler. He tries different things to offset the fielding captain. Even as captain, he does a lot of little things which you really can’t explain. He is open to suggestions. He discusses things with the players. He lets you know what he thinks. He listens to you and he comes up with good ideas and plans. I cherish this opportunity.
How do you rate your performance?
I would wish to talk about Mumbai Indians rather than myself. We want to continue our winning streak. Each and every member of the team has played with passion and determination. I’ve not had much time in the middle. Hopefully, I come out of this and fire at some point of time. I’m just one innings away from good form. Hopefully, I’ll be the contributing factor for the Mumbai Indians.
Is the pressure of expectations bogging you down?
It is not bogging me down or putting any pressure on me. It is a matter of assessing the situation and playing accordingly. The crowds expect me to hit sixes but I’m in the middle and I know what to do. I will have to play each ball on merit.
Do you find it difficult to adjust to Indian pitches?
I’m trying to get accustomed to the wicket. The wickets here are slow. During the Champions League in Hyderabad, it was totally different. We have to adjust quickly as we don’t have much time.
How far do you think MI can progress?
We have the momentum now. We have the players. There is a lot of bonding among the players, although they are all from different worlds. Every one has one common goal and that is to win the IPL. At this point of time, I think we will go the distance.
Which team looks the most dangerous?
All teams are dangerous. The team that plays well on the day wins in T20.
If MI were to qualify for CL T20, which team will you play for — MI or T&T?
It is a question that I will not choose to answer now. For now, I’m playing in the IPL.
You are known to be a T20 specialist. Are you comfortable with that or you want to play in the Tests as well?
I’m only 22. Everyone considers me as an ODI player and a T20 specialist. I can play all the formats of the game. At this point of time, it is T20 I’m concentrating on.
Now that you have so much money, do you plan to buy a house in Mumbai?
I haven’t had a chance to go see houses.
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