“It feels amazing to be a part of the rhino conservation story in India.”

I am happy with the way I hit the ball. There is a certain element of power into it but not completely. It is like 80 per cent timing and 20 per cent power. Why do I need power hitting when I can clear the ropes with timing?

It pumps me up – the whole idea of the bowler marking his run-up, popping at the crease, the crowd chanting, nerves building up. It’s a very good feeling. Right from the first ball, I know I have to be at the top of my game.

Between net practice sessions, there’s another game I play when chilling with the team – trying new cuisines.

Cricket has taught me how to overcome impossible challenges. The ground is where I find most joy and happiness.

To make this world a better place we need compassion but we also need accountability for our actions.

Comebacks are not at all easy. After a major surgery, the difficult part is to conquer the inner demons. It’s all in the mind. Only an individual can overcome his fears.

There will be times in South Africa when we will be challenged as a team. We have to stand up to that.

Every time you play for your country, there is responsibility. But when you are captaining, you can say so; you have to lead from the front and make sure the team follows the direction you want them to.

Keep your heart in the game, and you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Every first-class season is important; every game is crucial, irrespective of whether you are in the Indian team or not.

It’s a cliche, but you will always be your most fierce competitor.

Every single one of us wanted this win, you could see it, you could feel it and watching it play out was incredible.

Gratitude to all the coaches, teachers and mentors of the game who helped me understand this game better.

Some of the most inspiring people in my life are the women in it. I have always found that they carry so much power in the roles they played in my life.

Music can change the world because it can change people.

I have always cared about the Indian Rhinos & am speaking up for these mighty beings.

Was he an animal, that music could move him so? He felt as if the way to the unknown nourishment he longed for were coming to light.

The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves

We find animals doing things that we, in our arrogance, used to think was just human .

But humanity never gets beyond the caterpillar stage -it rots in the chrysalis, it never will have wings.It is anti-creation, like monkeys and baboons.

I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.

I’d like to be remembered as someone who really helped people to have a little humility and realize that we are part of the animal kingdom, not separated from it.

I smell a rat.

And besides, look at elder flowers and bluebells-they are a sign that pure creation takes place – even the butterfly.