I've always maintained - a captain is only as good as his team. It is not about my leadership, it is not about me.
Gautam Gambhir
Sometimes it's important to get out of that comfort zone and, I think, try new things, and sometimes you can express yourself better.
Our flag is our identity, and we can't disrespect or let anyone else disrespect our identity.
One needs to be clear headed. I believe in all-round fitness.
At one point, when I didn't make the 2007 World Cup squad, I was very, very frustrated. Then I became very hard on myself. Whenever I used to go to the nets, or when I trained in the gym, I was very hard on myself. I couldn't sleep; I used to think a lot. Very, very desperate to make a comeback.
Any opportunity you get to play for your country and wear that blue cap is an honour.
Cricket is a team game. If you want fame for yourself, go play an individual game.
I think that a leader is someone that needs to make an impact on, off the cricket field and in their lives as well.
I have been brought up watching the 'Rocky' series and 'First Blood' series. I am obviously a big fan of Sylvester Stallone.
When I got dropped for the World Cup, there were times I didn't want to play anymore. I didn't want to practise. I couldn't motivate myself. Then I said, 'Look what are the options?' Cricket is the only option. Whether I play happily or sadly, it's still all I have. There are not a lot of things I am good at.
I've always wanted to do something for the defence forces - I've always said that the Army always has been my first love. It's about what they do selflessly for the country.
I have always loved the big stage and would often tell my friends while growing up that I'd want to help India win the World Cup one day.
When you are playing against an opposition, you want to go out there and win a game, and for that, you have to be aggressive.
Sport doesn't work on knee-jerk reactions.
I like finishing the games by dominating the opposition.
The day I feel like I can't contribute to the team's success, that's the day I am going to call it quits.
My primary job is to score runs and make KKR win, and that's what I am trying to do. Rest, I don't think too much. That's how I have always played my game.
I am talking as an Indian and not as as a cricketer. I believe we should not have any ties or relationship with Pakistan. For me, it is very important to protect our people.
I know that my job is to score runs, and I will continue to do that.
Life of people of this country is far more important than any sports or any other thing.
I am a very strong believer in one thing. The more physically fit you are, the more mentally fit you get.
India should not have any ties with Pakistan, be it Bollywood or cricket. I am shocked that Bollywood is saying that cricket and movies should be kept ahead of national sentiments.
It's not a successful captain that makes a successful team.
I am very passionate about Indian hockey.
Tests are special, the format closest to my heart.
I grew up playing on unprepared surfaces where your wicket depended on quickly adapting to the bounce. As a kid, I could never differentiate off-spin from leg-spin. All I looked to do was to try to hit the ball before it pitched.
Any quality player can adjust well to the different demands. It is like a good tennis player who is expected to adjust to the clay at the French Open, the grass at Wimbledon, the hard courts of the U.S. and the heat of the Australian Open. A professional is expected to do all that.
For me, it's fine to be aggressive and play hard. As long as you're not getting personal, it's fine, and you can do whatever you can to upset the opposition.
Irrespective of whether Anil Kumble is the coach or Ravi Shastri, what's more important is that India wins.
Yes, I'm the same grumpy Gautam who smiles very less on the field. I go very quiet before going into the match. I guess it works for me, though my team-mates keep telling me it is just a game.
I've played my whole life for Delhi; I know what is good or bad for Delhi cricket.
I love discussing my game with people who have similar mindsets.
I am an intense person on the field. I always want to win, as it matters to me a lot. That's why I never like to lose the focus or intensity.
I have been a part of the teams which had the original great man - Sachin Tendulkar. I remember in 2007-08 tour of Australia, Sachin paaji would get all the attention from the locals.
I do not usually follow a rigid fitness regimen, and most of it depends upon what goals I have in my mind.
I am happy to lose spots on the IPL Fairplay award list, but I cannot see my team slipping on the points table.
Kolkata Knight Riders is not about me. It is about the team.
Every relation forms its own defined and non-defined rules.
In India, you need to look intense to be classified a good cricketing brain.
Some individuals relish the fact that they are not drawing attention and can quietly go about their game while others want to show off.
If you ask me, a batsman has very few opportunities as compared to a bowler. A bowler knows, if he gets hit for a six or a boundary, he has another delivery left to get back and take a wicket. For a batsman, one loose shot, and you are out. A bowler will always have 24 opportunities.
I am very insecure because that's how I have played cricket. Since Under-14, I was told, 'If you don't perform, you will be dropped.' I have started living with this system.
IPL is good for limelight and making money.
Ultimately, the one who scores the winning run is a finisher, irrespective of whether he's an opening batsman or No 11. What matters is how much you are contributing. If you can win matches for your team, you are a finisher.
I want to do whatever will make my team win.
Being an impatient guy, even off the field, I would always look to score runs and score them quickly. Sometimes I panic if runs are not coming.
I play for India, I play for the 100 million people of my country.
Youngsters getting hooked to IPL is a dangerous sign for Indian cricket.
I am a great believer that a captain is as good as his team.
My mood depends on how I treat my toothbrushes. Being a skipper is a strenuous job, and when you are going through a rough phase, obviously you start taking out your frustration. You can't take it out on anyone: you can't take it out on your teammates or your wife. The only person that is left is your toothbrush.
