From a middle-order batsman you answered a crisis call to be an opener. With so many opening options now, are you having any rethink about your batting position?

•It’s tough to say. I just have to score runs whenever I get an opportunity. I don’t think I will be opening in T20, so I think I’ll take a call depending on what happens after the IPL.

How frustrating was it to spend three months in Australia without getting a proper game?

•I told myself that it’s better to be part of the Indian team than to be sitting at home and watching matches on television. To be part of the team is a great feeling. I always used to think as if I was playing a game and kept working hard. You find out areas where you need to improve and, when you have a space of three months, it’s important you get good hits in the nets.

You were the number one wicketkeeper on ‘A’ tours, ahead of Dhoni. How did the roles get reversed?

•Dhoni has really raised the bar in terms of batting style for wicketkeepers in Indian cricket. He came as a whiff of fresh air. He was good and is getting better every day. When a person like that comes, you need to keep raising your bar to compete with him.

We are all trying to do that and he’s better than all of us.