I think there is no better way for our players to improve and learn to perform under pressure than playing regularly with India.

As my parents are from India, I am told a lot of positive things about the country, the culture and traditions of Muslims in India. I don't remember anything nasty told to me by my parents.

I never really sought out the captaincy at any stage in my career. Now that it has been handed to me, I would obviously like to do it justice and keep performing well. The day I stop performing will be the day I happily relinquish the role.

When you have confidence, the atmosphere in the dressing room also improves.

No one can deny there is a lot of pressure when Pakistan and India play, especially with the expectations of the fans at home.

We can't take such unfair criticism. It would be difficult for me to continue as captain if this unhealthy trend of demoralising the team after a few bad performances continues.

It's not as if I never used to get under pressure. That is nonsense. It's just that my looks gave an appearance, and people didn't think I was tense.

I have had a fulfilling career for Pakistan, although our poor performance in the 2007 World Cup would remain the lowest point of my career.

It's important what you can do for your team. Even if you score 30-40, if it contributes to team's victory, then it is always memorable.

A tour to India is different from other tours. The expectations to win are very high from our own people, and defeats and poor performances are not forgotten easily.

It's always special playing in Australia and New Zealand.

If you don't have bounce on the pitch, even a spinner cannot come handy.

It's up to the individual to decide when he wants to quit.

I've never linked team selection to offering prayers, and reports suggesting otherwise are all wrong.

In the past, when we toured countries like Australia or South Africa, we struggled, but we also got to learn a lot, and we learnt to cope with pressure.

The best players of the world play in the IPL, and to bowl to them in T20 cricket isn't easy.

Moving to South Africa and trying to make a mark as a cricketer and then make it to the international team hasn't been easy. This is why I want to enjoy every moment of it.

There are not too many leg-spinners in the world, and if you look closely, Mishra bhai will stand out as one of the best.

If you go for wickets all the time, then you will go for runs as well because you will have to flight the ball and invite the batsmen to hit you.

If I get a wicket, I just want to show people that how big that is for me.

I try not to miss my prayers and the 30 fasts in Ramazan, but even if I do miss them due to my cricket, I make up for them later on.

I don't think it is difficult to balance professional sports with practising your faith. It is very easy if you follow the right path.

I will do what my team wants me to do and justify my place in the side.

If you look at me outside the cricket ground, I am a simple, normal guy, like everyone else. But on the field, that passion flows because I have been through a lot of tough times and have lost many special people.