“I always dreamt of holding the bat and winning games for India. That was my inspiration to take up cricket.”

I do not abuse players. I talk to myself; I abuse myself. It’s my way of letting off steam. I do it after every century; I do not do it always. I keep telling myself: ‘Improve, improve from the previous match, the previous shot. You can do it.’

I wasn’t sure of the exact mindset you should have when you go into a Test match. So I probably became too defensive when I played my first Test match. Short balls in one-day cricket, I have never thought of just defending.

A fit body gives you confidence. And there’s nothing more impressive than a great attitude, which you can wear on your sleeve. But you’ll have to remember the difference between being rude and being confident.

I love wearing whatever is comfortable, and that could be something which was in trend years ago. So, I don’t follow fashion.

I’m a big fan of Aamir Khan, Among actresses, I like Aishwarya Rai.

Whatever I am, it’s natural. I don’t have to pretend to be aggressive, don’t have to show the opposition that I am on the field. Being aggressive comes naturally to me, helps me perform.

Keep your head down and keep working

I don’t really read a lot of newspapers. I don’t pay attention to what is being said or written about me. I’ve had lots of experiences in the past when I got too much into it. That sort of diverts your focus.

I’m not someone who sits at home and doesn’t like to go out, doesn’t like to watch movies. I like to live my life.

There are two bowlers who I think are very tough to play against – Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

I like to be myself, and I don’t pretend. For instance, I don’t dress up for occasions; I am what I am.

You just feel a little odd when you don’t get your kind of food. Fortunately, there are Indian restaurants all over the world.

I want my wardrobe to be full of good clothes, so that when I’m deciding what to wear, I don’t run out of options. I love shopping!

Everyone loves a win in India. No one wants to lose a match. It is the cricketer who absorbs all the pressure.

You have to stay fresh and blank in your mind when you go out to bat. You complicate things, and you’re gone.

It’s all about the process.

Come find me in my dreams tonight where love transcends a distant flight.

And you were probably just one of my stories, still made up in my mind. Again.

You were a lovely dream to me but you see, my dreams were never mine to catch up on. – Circumstances.

No one understands and appreciates the American Dream of hard work leading to material rewards better than a non-American.

Treat her like a dream. Follow her, pursue her, and always remind her that you’ll never give up on her.

A girl with stars in her eyes and dreams in her heart.

Let me pour onto your glass and let it overflow with abundant love; for your eyes tell me they need refilling, But all you have now is an empty bottle of escaped homes and dreams.

I couldn’t dream of loving you anymore than I already do, Yet every day I wake up so much more in love with you.