No doubt the India versus West Indies home series will be remembered for Virender Sehwag's record breaking 219 in Indore, but one man who stood out from the rest was Rohit Sharma. Rohit scored 305 runs in his comeback series earning the Man of the Series award. He also came in handy with the ball when the chips were down.
Now with the team all set for the tour of Australia, Rohit plans to put his best foot forward in his debut Test series, where India start as favourites keeping in mind the slump the Aussies are facing. Here's his exclusive email interview: Q. You have been in good nick ever since your comeback post injury layoff? How did you manage to stay focused when you were recuperating?
Getting injured and coming back from an injury is hard on every sportsman. Personally, I just worked on my fitness and never lost sight of my goals. Keeping my eye on the prize is what kept me motivated. It was hard to go for months without holding a bat but it wasn't in my hands and I had to be patient. If I had rushed my recovery, it would have caused problems in the long run. I'm happy to be back playing for my country.
Q. You were drafted into the squad for the England ODI series when the team was under pressure on account of injury woes. But you too ended up getting injured. How difficult was it for you to cope with the situation? How did coach Duncan Fletcher and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni react?
Injuries can happen any time, any where to any sportsman. I felt terrible to leave the team at that point of time considering the injury woes to most of the key players. Dhoni and Duncan came to me with positive thoughts; they told me to get well ASAP and that everything happens for the best.
Q. Your friend and team-mate Yuvraj Singh has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Did you manage to speak to him? How is he doing now? He is recovering well. We miss him on the team; he'll be back in action before you know it. Q. 2011 has been a great year for many cricketers as they have made their Test debuts this season. You too have been drafted into India's squad for the tour of Australia. Is there any pressure on you or are you taking things as they come?
Test cricket is the Holy Grail for any cricketer. There's always pressure when you're playing at this level but what's important is how you deal with it. I am going to stay focused and take it one game at a time and not lose sight of the task at hand. Not to speak of the fact that Duncan has been really supportive. Q. The world is waiting for Sachin Tendulkar to score his 100th international ton. Do you think it will come by in Australia? I hope God won't make him or us wait much longer for the same.
Q. During the Ahmedabad ODI you came into bat when India were in a difficult situation and went on to score 95 - your highest in the series. You were even forced to bat with tail-enders. How did you plan your innings? It is an absolute challenge to bat with them (tail-enders). You need to stay calm during such situations and use your intelligence. It is something I have learnt by watching Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni play. Besides, Virender Sehwag (captain during the ODI series) was very happy with my performance. He would tell us all to go out and enjoy the game.
Q. You remained unbeaten on 90 in the second ODI in Vizag and then were run out on 95 in Ahmedabad. How frustrating is it for a batsman to fall short by such a small margin, especially if he remains not out? Getting out at any point of the game is frustrating. Whether you bat at number three or number eight, you always want to be there till the end and finish the game. I was very disappointed to get out at that time. More than the century, I was worried about winning the match. The team always comes first.
Q. You were there with him for some time when Sehwag was going hammer and tongs during his record 219 in Indore? How do you view that innings? I am really happy that a record has been set by yet another Indian (in relation to Sachin Tendulkar's 200 not out) and I am happy I was at the other end to be part of that moment in even the smallest way. I was simply amazed by his hunger for runs and his stroke-play. He is a phenomenal batsman, truly one of a kind.
Q. You have certainly made a mark as a fine ODI player. How do your friends react when you meet them? Do you often invite them over when in Mumbai? Most of my really close friends are my childhood friends. As for inviting them over when I am in town: No, I don't because they really don't need an invitation. They come over and hang out a lot with me. They are more like family.
Q. Memorable moments from 2011 and plans for 2012? It has to be the Man of the Series award against the West Indies (away series). I am thrilled that we won both the home and away series against the West Indies. That apart, playing for Mumbai Indians (my home team) is definitely on top of my list.
I hope to start 2012 positively in Australia. I hope this tour will be a repeat of what happened in 2008 (Rohit was part of the team that won the ODI tri-series featuring Sri Lanka). Q. Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds, who has made an entry into the Big Boss house, had recently said in an interview that if he had a choice, he would like to take Rohit Sharma along. Your reactions. Haha! Symmo is a very good friend of mine. He is a great guy. Whenever you are with him, you are sure to be entertained. Symmo and I have known each other for over four years now. We're very good friends and enjoy each other's company both on and off the field.
