‘I would like to have the variety Ashwin possesses’

What has changed for you since the 2009 debut?

The experience of playing for India has made me understand the importance of fitness. I value the opportunities that have come my way and have got down to working on my fitness and have lost weight. I have stopped eating junk food.

How difficult has it been to be disciplined with regard to your diet?

I think watching the dedication of senior cricketers, including Sachin, Laxman and Rahul has helped me realise the importance of fitness. They have been able to play for so long because they maintained their fitness by by cutting down on any excesses. Their collective advice was that they know I am working hard but if I can get fitter the chances are that I will play longer for India.

You were out of the Test team for almost a year — from towards the end of 2010. What are the lessons you learnt?

That was a very important phase of my life as I was at a crossroads. But I took it in my stride and continued to play domestic cricket. I made a comeback against England and the match time I had in domestic cricket really helped me.

Your take on the current England Test side?

They are a good unit and they are not the No.2 side in the world for nothing. You can't just write them off so early just because they are playing India in India. It will be a challenging series and I am eagerly looking forward to doing well against them.

How do you judge your bowling form?

Indian bowlers are lucky that we get to bowl against the best batsmen against spin in the nets. Every net session is a learning experience. Players like Sehwag and Virat, to name just a couple, can really punish you even in the practice nets. If I have improved as a bowler a lot of it is down to the Team India net sessions.

... contd.

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