‘Toughest phase of my life’

• Honestly,the last one month has been very hard. Ever since I started playing cricket,this has been the toughest phase of my life. I have never been part of such a long losing streak,and being in a dressing room where there were so many controversies,was very taxing. But this experience has taught me the importance of being mentally tough and the value of staying focused when the ride is not smooth. After the spate of bitter defeats,it was good to taste success in the end.

•What sparked the change of fortunes at the end?

• Everyone was hurt about losing because we were all trying to win. Perhaps we were trying too hard to break the run. The loss against Deccan Chargers and the sequence of events that led to it really hurt us because we were so close to a win. We might not have won that game,but that was a sort of turning point for the team. We realised how desperate we all were and that helped us come together and win the last two matches. I wish the trigger had come earlier in the tournament because our team were capable of reaching the semi-finals.

•What goes on in a player’s mind when he is part of a losing side for so long?

• It affects a player very badly,especially when you lose 10 on the trot. There is so much pressure that it has an adverse impact on your performance. In a way,a sense of negativity grips you. It feels good to be returning after getting rid of that pressure.

•What was the last talk in the dressing room before the team dispersed?

• There was a feeling of contentment. We were just happy to have ended on a winning note. Importantly,we were able to dispel doubts about our ability to win. We had a chat about coming back next year and starting afresh.

•What aspect of your bowling would you like to improve on?

• I really have to take care of my economy rate and then I need to work on variations. In T20,you need to have a good yorker and different kinds of slower balls. Also,I am looking to become an impact bowler because nothing else puts the opposing team back like losing early wickets.

•Is the T20 World Cup the biggest challenge for you yet?

• Yes,without a doubt. I have never been part of any World Cup,and I am really looking forward to it. Conditions in England will be helpful for bowlers and I want to make it memorable for myself. It’s a huge honour to go in as the defending champions.

•What is your immediate plan given that you have a few extra days of rest?

• I just want to be home. I really miss my mother’s food while I am on tour and I am going to make up for it. After a couple of days of good rest,you will find me in the nets preparing for the World Cup.