•Are there any regrets? This missed century?

• There is no end to desire. Cricketers, especially batsmen, are always selfish people. If you score hundred, then you want 150, and once you reach there, you think about a double. But if anyone would’ve given me about 700 runs in eight Test matches, with wins in four of them, I would’ve taken it hands down. I’ve done even better, so it’s very satisfying. But if you ask me if I want more, I would say yes, why not?

•After scoring 1,000 runs in both versions, have you ever had the time to sit back and let the magnitude of your effort sink in?

• Maybe that’s why I’ve got this break now. I never had the time to analyse — everything happened at a very hectic pace and I was playing almost non-stop. Now I plan to sit back, watch my clippings, enjoy my success, and realise what I’ve achieved, what it is that everyone is talking about.

•You always lacked recognition in comparison to your contribution in the team. Do you still feel that way now?

• Actually I’ve never really felt that way. When I came into the team, my only goal was to score runs and contribute match after match. None of those goals have changed. I still get my biggest satisfaction by hitting runs when the team is under pressure and bailing them out. I’ve been able to produce those innings this year and I only want my team to recognise my performance.

... contd.