Q. How do you see cricket amid the Covid-19 pandemic, especially since the Test cricket has returned to the field after several months?
A. It is a completely different thing. We never thought that without using saliva we will use the ball, there will be social distancing among the players, and the way players celebrate now — without hugging and high-fiving — is something different. Seeing Jofra Archer getting suspended because of breaking the protocol, you see, cricket has altogether returned in a new avatar. Nevertheless, sports have started. Thank God for that.
Q. We saw English bowlers having a tough time. Do you see — amidst the new web of rules, especially the saga of ball shining — that bowlers are struggling?
A. Of course! Shining the ball is an indispensable ritual for a swing bowler. Even for the spinners for that matter, when you can shine the ball well, you get an extra amount of drift. Since the ban of saliva has been imposed, bowlers will struggle. But I am sure there is some way out, though undiscovered yet, and we can get through it very soon.
Q. James Anderson did not get a place in the second Test because he could not scalp many wickets in the first Test. What do you think about the bowler who has also troubled batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar at times?
A. The cricketer has not played cricket for a long time and it is very difficult for the fast bowler to make a comeback; the fast bowler has to practice more, and as you see practicing has been nearly impossible amidst the pandemic. Moreover, I am quite confident that a legendary bowler like Anderson will catch his rhythm very soon.
Q. Your commentary is being praised a lot these days, what is the secret?
A. I guess that once you play cricket and experience the things on the field, you have a great deal to offer in the commentary box. Moreover, besides presenting the game to the viewers and entertaining them, I always try to impart knowledge through my comments
Q. What do you think about the batting duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma?
A. They are two of the greatest batsmen the white-ball cricket has ever seen. Virat Kohli is a run machine, we all know the way he wins the match and chases the scores. He can mould himself in every situation and his fitness is his biggest strength. Again, Rohit Sharma is pure class. His timing is the same as Pakistan’s legendary batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq. Inzi used to have a lot of time against the fast bowler, Rohit Sharma is also like that. He has a lot of time while playing fast bowlers. Moreover, both of them have a great converting abi
Q. Do you feel in the two formats, having two captains is going to be beneficial for India? Do you think Rohit can lead the white ball and Virat can take the charge of Tests?
A. Rohit Sharma has played a big role in the success of Mumbai Indians. The way he has led the team is impeccable. However, I doubt the fact that it would be successful to have two different captains for two formats. India being a country where cricket is almost a religion, I do not think that the two-captain theory would fit in the cricketing culture.
Q. What is the most memorable moment for you? Your Test debut or the hat-trick against Pakistan?
A. I would always remember Sourav Ganguly giving me my cap at the Adelaide Oval, the moment I would cherish forever. Whatever contribution I made to India, all of it started with that cap, that moment is very close to my heart. Whenever I sit alone, I miss the moment.
Q. Under whose captaincy did you enjoy playing the most, Rahul Dravid or Sourav Ganguly?
A. Both of them were special in their own ways. Sourav would always be special to me because he was my first captain. I learned a lot under his leadership. Again, Dravid was the one who utilised me in a way that all my potential and capabilities were used. It was under Dravid’s captaincy that I emerged as a better allrounder and a more mature player.