I usually don't get much free time. Cricket keeps me busy, and I like it that way.

Govinda is my favourite actor - his comedy and dance is unique.

From a small age, we used to play a lot of school cricket: 30-35 games in a year in school cricket, then Under-16 games.

I look to play the same way wherever I play.

I have to accept challenges wherever I play. Be it, India, U-19, state of T20 Leagues, I have to accept the challenges the same way I do when I play for India.

I look to gain experience wherever I play.

It is a really proud feeling to get my first Test cap.

I have learnt from many experienced players in the Mumbai team as well as the India A team how to be consistent. That helps a lot to ensure that I don't get into bad form.

I think the more you practise batting, follow the drills, the better you get.

When you open the batting, you have to read the pitch first up and try to understand the situation. But at No. 3, you know what is happening out there. It makes things a little simple when it comes to reading the game.

Amit Mishra has got that experience. He has played 10-12 years of international cricket. Whenever he bowls those four overs, he knows exactly what his plans are. He has bowled to almost every player, and he knows where to bowl to them.

I try to play each ball on its merit.

When you are not scoring runs for the last two-three games, then you need to get that form back; preparation is the best thing to do.

I can't compare myself to Tendulkar, because he has already played and done with his 25 years of international career and scored 100 hundreds.

First six overs are important because if you put runs on board, it will take the pressure off the other batsmen.

It was a dream come true to meet GR Viswanath sir, who is a legend in the game.

I am a person who likes to be in the present.

It is all about experience. When you are 7-8 years old, you start playing school cricket and score runs; my coaches, from school level to Rahul Dravid Sir now, all those small, small things - the experiences make a difference.

Just in a matter of eight months to win the U-19 World Cup as captain and then make the Test team is quite unreal.

My dad doesn't know that much about cricket, but he has watched so many years of cricket.

I earlier used to stay in Virar, and I was coached by Santosh Pingulkar.

When I came to Under-19, I played a lot of cricket and got a lot of experience. Then India A as well, and Ranji Trophy - it just keeps going on.

I don't think it matters too much if you are batting or bowling first on this pitch. The wicket remains the same throughout the 40 overs. There is only the dew factor that probably comes in the second innings.

I made tons of runs and got an opportunity to play for Mumbai. Suddenly, people knew who I was, and the cameras were on me. Getting the recognition matters when you are playing school cricket.

I was a bit nervous when I first entered the Indian dressing room. Some of the players sitting out there had 10 years of experience and were sitting in front of me. But then Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri told me that there are no seniors or juniors in the team. So I could open up to them easily and irritate them with my questions.

I never thought of making my India debut right after the U-19 win. I took it match by match.

I began playing at the age of six, but at that point, I had little idea of cricket; forget the talent part. It's around the age of 10-11, when more people around me began talking of my skills, that I felt maybe I could go on to do something.

It was my wish to play in the challenging conditions in Australia. I love the bounce there.

A hundred for Mumbai feels good, and it doesn't get bigger than MCA for me because they are the people who have helped me get to where I have.

I am not a person who will think about the past.

I like Arijit Singh and often listen to his tracks.

During the 2011 World Cup, I was sitting at the Wankhede Stadium when India won.

I like to play attacking shots, even if it is in the first over of the game. If I get out playing attacking shots, then so be it.

I am very happy and proud - I played a lot of school cricket and scored heavily there, and then the Ranji Trophy, but when we represent India, it's a different feeling.

Whatever games came my way, I tried to give my best, do whatever I could to win matches for the team, be it at the Ranji Trophy level, India A, IPL: this was always on my mind.

School cricket is where we all start. The journey of a cricketer starts from there, and it was the same for me.

Tendulkar is my idol in cricket, and one thing I try to pick up from him is how he carries himself in a humble manner.

As a captain, I just want to lead the team properly.

I don't want to bring in negative vibes in my career.

I have been an aggressive batsman since my school days, and I play my game as such.

Each player wants to perform in every match he plays. Sometimes it happens; sometimes it doesn't. If I am not able to perform in a given match, I leave that behind.

Every cricketer dreams of coming into the Indian side.

Whenever you play international cricket, there is always a challenge.

To represent your country is the ultimate honour, and to play Test cricket for India will be the ultimate fulfilment of my cricketing ambition.

Once you graduate from the Under-19 level, no one really gives you technical advice. It is all about making mental adjustments.

Cricket came about for me when my dad started throwing plastic balls to me at home. I was four or five.

When the time comes to play Irani Cup, if I get the chance, I will make sure I will do my best.

If you look at any Mumbai guy, he starts to handle pressure at a very young age. Starts at the school level, then the pressure from parents, from the coaches.

I am an attacking batsman, but I've learned a lot about patience. There are clever bowlers who can pick your weak points, so I have to be a bit patient, play out a spell or two.

The biggest difference at the Ranji Trophy level is that of the pace you face. You don't get as many quick bowlers at the Under-19 level.