Are you an all-rounder, or aren’t you? What’s the final word?

• Some people have always said that I can be called an all-rounder because I bat well. Some others have said that I’m a frontline bowler. Let people decide what I am. Just give me any term and I’ll be comfortable with that. From my side, bowling will always be my priority. I’m fully committed to my cricket, but I concentrate 60 per cent on bowling and 40 per cent on batting.

Many cricketers have made the transition from bowler to batsman in international cricket. Why do you resist putting your batting abilities ahead?

• I don’t deny that I have a gift as far as batting is concerned. I know I can bat, and I’ve proved it against the best in the world. There was a period when I got to bat more than I bowled. I always said give me a fixed place in the batting order, and I’ll be fine with the image change. If you want me to bat at number three, give me four straight matches at that position so that I can be comfortable. But I’ve always been seen as a bowler first, and I think it will stay that way.

Will you be happy if Irfan, the batsman, gets a permanent place in the Indian team?

• I would be happier if Irfan, the bowler, got a permanent place. But yes, it’s always an honour to be part the Indian team, in any capacity.

Why do you always seem to carry a ‘work in progress’ sign?

• I like to work hard on my bowling, to constantly improve, and that’s the way it should be. If I’m away from cricket for some time, I like to put in as much bowling at the nets as I can. I had a groin niggle before this tournament, and even in the first two games I didn’t get to bowl too much. I am the sort of bowler who needs to practice to keep my rhythm going. The more I get to bowl, the better I get.

How do you feel when Yusuf wins a match in a Super Over like the other night?

• We’re in different teams but it feels great because every success for either of us brings happiness to our family.

Yusuf’s plus point is that he is a natural hitter of the ball. A lot of people say he hits without thinking, but he plans his shots well. You can’t deny that he’s been consistently playing big shots at all levels.