Is it true that you tried to copy Tendulkar?
Yes, it was my goal to play like him. I was such a big fan of his, and still am, and will remain one. It was my great desire to be able to bat like him. I would go to the nets and try and hit shots just like him.

What is your preparation for matches?
I analyse the bowlers in the other team, and how I should face them. There is the computer analysis to help me as well, if there is any problem. For batting advice, I speak to Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. Or I talk to my coach, AN Sharma.

You always had this confidence about you?
Yes, because my batting is based on it. Without self-confidence I won't be able to bat. It is important for any batsman, and I know I have a little extra of it. I don't see which bowler is bowling against me, whether it is Glenn McGrath or Shoaib Akhtar or Ronnie Irani or a school bowler. I have to play the ball and it doesn't matter who is bowling it. I have the confidence that I have to play only the ball, not the bowler

So, is there no special bowler you have come across?
No.

You were very upset when Shoaib Akhtar removed you at Mohali on your debut …
Yes I was, because it was my first one-day international and my expectations were high. When I couldn't perform, it was disturbing. But I worked hard and did well in domestic cricket. And I knew that I would get another chance.

What was the turning point in your career?
It came when I joined Madras Cricket Club where the coach was Mr Satish Sharma. There was a big change in my life from then on, and I got to play serious cricket. I played under-19 cricket for India, went to the youth World Cup in South Africa, and then got a chance in the Ranji Trophy. I would have never reached this level had Satish Sharma not come into my life. Whatever success I have achieved it is because of him. It is very sad that he is no longer with us. He would have been even happier than me if he was here.

So much has changed for you in one year, do you ever feel that it's all happening too fast?
Well no, because when anyone does well, a point like this comes in his life. It has happened to other cricketers and those outside cricket too. Personally, my life has not changed much. I am the same person I used to be. The real change is in the expectations of the people. I hope that I am able to fulfil all these expectations. But when you are playing, the time goes so fast and you don't realise it. My mind doesn't really go there.

Does media attention or intrusion bother you?
Not really. I have my own regulations. I don't talk to anyone just before a match. If at all, I like to make it three days or so before. The reporters know this and don't disturb me much. After the match I am happy to give interviews to everyone.

Do you read the papers?
Casually. When I do, I don't pay too much attention to what has been written about me or the team. Our job is to play, the press is there to write. If we play well, they will praise us and if we do badly, they will criticise us. We both have jobs to do.

Are you happy being Test opener?
Yes. I am happy playing anywhere and will bat anywhere the captain and coach tell me too. I love batting, it doesn't matter whether it is opening or the middle order.

The South Africa series last year was quite eventful …
Yes, I was really happy that my Test career began with a hundred. There are very few players who have started with a century. About Mike Denness, I don't think I should comment on it. I would like to forget it ever happened.

Rahul Bhattacharya is an assistant editor with Wisden Asia Cricket and Wisden.com in India

For the full interview, get your copy of Wisden Asia Cricket, November 2002

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