I am still not happy, I could have done much more: Rahane

You scored 560 runs in the IPL but what stood out was that you hardly slogged.

I believe that if you have your basics right then you can score in any format of the game. I never tried to copy anybody but it is important to back your ability. Players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid all bat straight and that is why they have been so consistently scoring runs.

What was your mindset before the start of the IPL?

I was low on confidence for sure. The two domestic tournaments I played — Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali — didn't go well. I had only one hundred that too in Deodhar Trophy. But I did back myself to get runs.

You scored one hundred but missed out on another one by a whisker. Your thoughts on the two knocks.

I never expected to score a hundred nor did I think I would score so many runs. Just before the tournament Rahul bhai came and told me that I might have to open the batting along with him. Initially, I thought I would get to bat in the middle-order. However, I am still not happy as I could have done much better.

Did you feel the pressure because you were the only big domestic name in the team?

There was a certain amount of pressure. Our team didn't have big names in the ranks but we had players who could do the job. I had represented India too so it was natural that a lot was expected of me.

Are you basking in your new-found fame?

I think what those 4,000-odd runs in domestic cricket couldn't do, these 500 odd scored in the IPL has done with regard to people recognising me. But I wouldn't have been able to score these runs if it wasn't for the number of hours I have batted in domestic cricket and the runs I have scored.

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