Some of the series you played in this year before this series were not so good. Was there any pressure related to that in the series?

All local matches are mentally stressful whether we score runs or not. All the local teams are very strong. Also, since it is the rainy season, the batsmen are more challenged. If I add the pressure of not scoring runs in the two series, I will not be able to perform properly. So don’t even think about it. At the same time, in terms of batting technique, I am sure that I am improving every day by yelling something. Even before this series, I practiced some new and different shots in net practice. After getting settled in the game, I focused more on getting those shots right without any hesitation.

My method of making the striker run out (mancut) by the bowlers has sparked a lot of debate around the world. They ran you out like that in TNPL. You reacted strongly to it. In this run-out case, both sides of the argument are presented as rules and spirit. Which side are you on?

Definitely, the spirit of sports is what matters. But, we all started coming to an understanding that these kinds of run outs are happening continuously. Even if they talk about what spirit is important, they think it is better to follow the rules. I am also out of date. Instead of complaining about it every time, I decided to be a little more careful and safe in the crease.

The full interview is published in this week’s ‘Ananda Vikatan’ magazine. Click the link below to read it – Link