You need to be mentally and physically very strong to go and perform in Australia.

Fortunately, I got to play some India 'A' games, and some games where the pressure was a little less, so that I can focus on my skill and my technique.

I have always enjoyed keeping. I used to keep earlier for my state and later didn't have much chance to keep. But I keep myself ready if ever anyone wants me to keep.

The more cricket you play in your head, the less you perform on the field. So let cricket, the sport, be on the field.

I got some time off from international cricket so I could come back to India and reflect on what was not going right for me.

Everyone wants to perform.

I totally enjoyed playing in Australia. I think they play very tough cricket, and the brand of cricket they play is very strong.

I have to be patient, keep performing, and be consistent.

There are only a few times in a batsman's life when he gets really eager: when you want to get off the mark or when you are approaching 100 or 200.

I spent a lot of time with Rahul Dravid, working on my game and chatting about cricket. He helped me a lot in the games I played for India 'A.'

If I am playing a game, I want to give my best, and that's the only thing that helps me sleep peacefully at night.

For me, aggression means not to be shy and to do what your mind tells you.

With the new ball, against any bowler, it's important to see off the first few overs.

Earlier in the shorter format, I was not consistent, so I was not getting noticed. But I always believed that I had the game to do it. It was just about consistency.

Growing up, I played on matting wickets. I always enjoyed the pace and bounce and somewhere that has a big role or big effect on your game.

I don't really have routines or follow what my coaches tell me or how people want me to be: this stereotypical 'sleep on time and set good examples' person. I don't really know what setting a good example is.

I would like to improve my shot selection when it comes to playing short-pitched deliveries.

Every player needs that one or two innings to get the confidence in whatever format to realise that he's good enough to be successful in whatever conditions or at whatever level.

I'm not a person that sets a long-term goal. My goals are on an everyday basis.

For an opening batsman, it's important to hit a few balls in the middle of the bat and get a few boundaries going.

It took me a long time to realise that I need to stay true to my game.

It is a very happy feeling that a legend like Rahul Dravid talks highly about me. But I can't just sit back and be happy about it. I have to back it up with my performances.

Those first few overs are obviously the most difficult time because you don't know what the ball is going to do in the air and off the seam.

200 for a batsman is a big landmark, and I have never been somebody who has chased landmarks, but getting a 200 will always be a proud moment for a batsman.