“When I was a boy, cricket was very, very English. Anyone who spoke English and anyone from a big town could play. And that was it.”

Test cricket is a different sort of cricket altogether. Some players who are good for one-day cricket may be a handicap in a Test match.

No cricket should be played for at least a month anywhere in the world after a World Cup.

My role models have kept on changing.

I was a naughty kid. Teachers did not like me much.

One can’t feel old in a day or overnight!

The West Indians and Pakistanis play one-day cricket so well because they play for English counties.

If your work becomes a source of enjoyment and a challenge, it will never seem like work – it will be fun. If you ever feel that your work is a burden, there is no point carrying on with it.

If you are playing on a turning wicket, toss plays an important role. The team that wins the toss gets an opportunity to play on the fresh wicket. You should always prepare the wicket as per team’s strength. But a rank turner might backfire.

When you take risks and things don’t go your way, you can be heavily criticised by the media.

I am not too intelligent.

If you have two good off spinners, what is the problem in playing both of them.

I used to hate any batsman who would not get out in my deliveries.

Selectors can’t please everyone, but I am OK if they are working for the benefit of Indian cricket. It’s an administrative decision to appoint a selection committee, and I would like to let them do their job.

I never said, ‘I wouldn’t help a cricketer if he approaches me.’

It isn’t easy being a celebrity cricketer in India.

It is always nice when you are honoured. The Lifetime award makes me feel old. I am only 55.