Be it high or low, it doesn't matter. I need to stay calm and neutral all the time.
Vijay Shankar
I think the inner strength that I have helps me stay calm.
The only thing that we can do is to work on all the aspects of our game.
I like to read the situation and play accordingly.
I don't wait for someone to appreciate me for what I am doing.
I don't bowl indoors, as I bowl with full run-up.
I am someone who looks to imbibe things from Kohli, Mahi bhai, or Rohit. I always believe in watching and learning from them. I have interacted with them to help me improve as a cricketer.
Sometimes you fail with the bat, and then you have to do well with the ball. When you fail with the ball, you have to do well with your willow.
It is all about gaining in confidence with every given opportunity.
If I can win matches for the team, that will automatically help me personally.
I'm now comfortable bowling long spells. Strength training has brought the pace up.
Every game is very important.
My brother, Ajay, who plays lower-division games, and I discuss cricket often.
I was actually a top-order batsman when I played league cricket in Tamil Nadu. When I made my Ranji debut, I had to bat down the order.
There are times I do single wicket bowling, and there are times I try, practise, hitting a specific length.
To be honest, at the beginning of 2019, I never thought about making my ODI debut.
I always look to get better in all three aspects of the game. I know I can keep getting better.
I just want to enjoy the game and work on all aspects - batting, bowling, and fielding. The more I enjoy my game, the better I can perform.
I feel it's important for anyone to adapt; you never know what kind of situation you will walk into.
I would definitely say the Nidahas Trophy was a life-changing experience as a cricketer for me.
I don't know how I have got this habit, but I try to play one match and give it my best - it doesn't matter which level of cricket I am playing in. It gives me satisfaction that I am not thinking about others, not competing with others.
I want to be an asset to the team who can bat or bowl in any position.
My aim has always been to keep improving and to do well in the opportunities I get.
I was someone who used to bat up the order. Due to different reasons, I started batting at No. 7, and that became a permanent slot for me.
The first important thing is representing the country. That feeling will always be there, be it World Cup or any other tournament.
Every day is different, and every wicket is different. You cannot take things for granted.
Anyone can go for runs any day.
It's about taking extra responsibility and delivering it at the right time for the team.
I don't think I am competing with Hardik. He is a terrific cricketer. Yes, we are all-rounders, but we are different from each other.
I love hitting those big sixes.
I am a quiet person off the field.
I am not shy when it comes to asking questions.
I think I have become mentally stronger now, and I have full confidence that I can finish close matches.
I am not thinking about World Cup and all those things. You can't play freely if you start thinking like that.
There's a difference between batting at number four position and batting in the lower order.
I should be equipped to play in any condition.
Everyone's dream is to first play for the country. Whenever you step in, you are wearing the Indian jersey and it is very special.
Every game I play, I try to make sure I get something out of that match. So as a cricketer, I feel you have to move forward and keep believing in your ability.
You just can't think of safe options always. You have to accept challenges head on.
It was a great experience to share the dressing room with names like Virat Kohli, M S Dhoni, Rohit Sharma.
It is important to watch and learn from the seniors in the team.
I see each game as an opportunity to do well.
I have to step up and do well in every match I get to play.
I am someone, as a cricketer, who feels it's very important to be able to adapt quickly to the situation.
It's important to improve all aspects of my game so when the situation comes along, I will be ready.
I have to be flexible in my role, batting and bowling.
It has been a long-time dream of mine to be part of the Indian team.
Being part of the India 'A' team has helped me grow as an all-rounder.
I have matured as a player and learnt to perform under different situations.
I am happy with my batting form. I have been bowling well, too, and have bowled long spells.
