Do you prefer flat or turning wicket?
There was a bit of turn for the spinners even during the England-Pakistan series before the World Cup. But a lot will depend on the overhead conditions. Personally, I don't like rank turners. Bowling on rank turners is also an art. I love bowling on a flat wicket with a bit of bounce. Also, as a wrist spinner you do induce turn irrespective of how the wicket is and I have never believed in looking at tracks for assistance.
You can't bowl fast on a flat wicket. You need to give it loop so that the ball takes turn. On a turning wicket, the pace has to be increased since you are getting a turn.
Does India deserve the favourites tag?
Favourites tag comes from the outside. This is a big tournament and overall if you look at how we have played over the past couple of seasons, we can say that this is a strong team. I prefer the word strong over favourite. Also, there are quite a few good teams apart from India and to be honest, a lot will depend on how a team plays on the day.
How has the journey been from playing chess to now leading India's spin charge in the World Cup?
It is like a dream. When I would see India's World Cup games on television, I would think that one day I want to be a part of this. When I became a regular in the team from 2017 onwards, I started to aim for the 2019 World Cup and looked at being consistent with my performances. Today, I feel a dream has been fulfilled. Doing well outside of India gave me the confidence that I can compete with the best on the international stage.
There is a big chance of rain tomorrow and obviously that might shorten the game. Do you think that brings you guys in a little bit?
We not going for the weather. We will see what’s the weather. So if we can reduce the overs it will be much better for us. We have potential now so like limited overs, so like everyone knows about Afghanistan batting lineup, so it will be good.
How do you manage highs and lows?
The more you play together, you get to know each other and it becomes like a family. We spend a lot of time off the field as well and when one of the players has a bad day, we as a team look at ways to motivate him. Say, if I had a bad day and then if coaches start scolding you, the morale goes down further. But in this team, you are given confidence and told that you have proved yourself in the past and you can do it again. There are times when you are alone and you need some motivation as you are on the go (playing and travelling) and this team is really good in this.
We know your love for tattoos...
I always wanted to get piercings and tattoos done from a young age. Got my first tattoo in 2012 and then I got a Lord Shiva and that made me feel good as I feel connected to him and to get to look at his tattoo whenever I open my shirt it gives me a positive vibe. I spend a lot of time thinking and conceptualizing before I get a tattoo made.
I have Shivansh written ( the name of my sister's son). I am a Leo so I also have a lion. I also have a warrior tattoo as that gives me the spirit to fight when I am on the field. The pain of getting inked gives me joy.
Shastri trolled
A self-proclaimed Pakistan cricket team fan, Australias famous Twitter personality Dennis Freedman has trolled India chief coach Ravi Shastri on the eve of their opening game against South Africa by posting a picture of Shastri with two women who seem to be excited to be sharing the frame with the coach. There is another person in the frame, but he is not associated with the Indian team.
Taking to Twitter, Freedman wrote: "India's World Cup preparations appear to be going well."
Shastri's photo hasn't gone down well with fans who commented on Freedman's post. One fan wrote: "Fielding at fine leg." Another one wrote: "We're playing both on and off the field."
Another user wrote: "They are so anxious to gel in with gori's in UK. This is Indians very natural complex (sic)." One Pakistani fan wrote: "Dear girls watch Azhar movie again if you dont know who is R shastri (sic)."
An Indian fan was clearly not impressed with the photo as the comment read: "He is better than play boy Warne who got his mms with 2 girls leaked (sic)."
Dennis also posted the photo on Facebook and the reaction of the fans isn't something that augurs well for the team. One fan wrote: "Hope he creates something better than Jayasuriya." Another one wrote: "Keep it up dude, you are doing well."