The current team looks good on paper but they lack experience. Their batting line-up revolves around Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke. But this Australian Test team is weak.
Any particular reason for not bowling the doosra in the two Test matches against Australia?
I can't bowl according to what people wish. It's up to me how to bowl. One has to bowl according to the conditions. I think I did well. Even after not using the doosra, I'm glad I got wickets.
There is a lot of positive talk about the atmosphere in the Indian dressing room.
Coach Gary Kirsten and the support staff have created a lovely environment. It is like one big family now. There is no senior-junior thing. We seniors try to make the younger players feel at home. There is a lot of confidence in each other's abilities in this Indian dressing room.
How is it that Team India generates something special when we play Australia?
Honestly, it is not just Australia... whenever we play an opponent we prepare well. We ensure we stick to our plans. We watch a lot of videos and make sure we know the strengths and weaknesses of each player in the opposition.
The Indian team doesn't hesitate to take risks...
One has to take risks. The team management is backing youngsters and the good thing is that they are performing at every stage. Young batsmen must be ready to bat at any position be it Cheteshwar Pujara, or Murali Vijay. Tomorrow if MS (Dhoni) asks me to bat at no.3, I shouldn't think twice.
Pragyan Ojha seems to be shaping up well.
Give youngsters some time and they will deliver. These youngsters just want to win everything. We still need to give these youngsters a longer rope, especially, in Test cricket. One shouldn't write them off after they fail in just a couple of matches. We need to back our players.
Can you explain Australia's failure to dominate opponents?
They had a great team when they toured India in 2001. They had a strong batting line-up with Shane Warne coming in at No.8. All their batsmen had tons of experience. The current team looks good on paper but they lack experience. Their batting line-up revolves around Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke. But this Australian Test team is weak.
Would you say that preparations are on the right track for the World Cup?
We need to take one step at a time. We have a strong bench and some good youngsters in the line-up. The one-day series against Australia will be a good platform for the youngsters with a few senior players being given rest.
Is Tendulkar becoming younger in his late 30's?
It seems so. He is batting as if he is 25 and not 37. He has shown that determination and hard work can do wonders.
No comments:
Post a Comment