Interview with Gautam Gambhir
On when he started playing the game and whether he was an opening batsman right through.
I started playing the game when I was in sixth class. In the Ranji Trophy, I played one down. Only this year in Under19, I was captain of Delhi, so I opened the innings.  Listen
On whether he was more of a bowler in his early days
When I was selected in U16 for the first time, I was selected as a bowler. At that time, I batted at No.8 & 9 for Delhi. The next year I batted at No. 3, since then I've been more of a batsman rather than a bowler. Listen
On the players he admired while growing up?
Hari Gidwani, Vinay Lamba, Virender Shewag, he bats brilliantly, Vijay Dahiya, Nikhil Chopra also. Listen
On the emotions he felt during his Ranji Trophy debut against Rajasthan last season
I wasn't selected for the Under 19 World Cup, so I was very disappointed. Suddenly my name came in the Ranji Trophy Super League. At that time Ajay Sharma was the captain. I didn't expect that I'll play the first match. I was just in the team, suddenly I played the first match. Was very nervous in the beginning but I was very very proud to be part of the Delhi Ranji Trophy team. Listen
On the innings he values the most in his brief first class career
Obviously, against Karnataka because it was just my second match and I was a bit nervous playing against Venkatesh Prasad and all these bowlers. It was tough but I thought it was a good innings for me. Listen
On whether going for his shots is a deliberate attitude?
Since the beginning I was a strokeplayer. I was a bit impatient and get excited at times, that's my game I like playing my shots. If I get bogged down, I'm not so good defending the ball a lot. I'm an attacking player, the best way I know is to attack. Listen
On whether he's more happy playing the medium pacers or spinners?
Medium pacers because the ball comes on to the bat, I can play my shots easily. I think my defense against spinners is a bit dicey, so I have to work on it. Thats why I feel playing medium pacers is much more easy than spinners. Listen
On his performance against Eng U19 in the Chennai Test
When we followed on, I just talked to Vinayak Mane. We both decided that we need a big partnership because earlier we were getting 50-60. We thought this time when the team needed it most, we have to give a good start. We complemented each other very well. When I went in to bat, I thought if they bowl bad, I have to punish the delivery. I just don't have to get bogged down. I was not getting scores earlier, in the three innings, I didn't get much. I was a bit nervous. I thought you just got to focus yourself and play your shots if the ball is to be hit. I did that. Listen
On the people who've supported him
My family has always supported me a lot, in my bad days as well as in my good times. They always say one thing, you just go play your natural game. I'm very very thankful to everybody for supporting me till now. Listen
On his coach
Mr. Sanjay Bhaduri always helped me a lot, in my technique and everything. He's done a good job with me. Whenever I've got some difficulty, I always go to him. He's a very good coach. Listen
On the best bowler he's played against
Venkatesh Prasad, maybe Harbhajan. I played five one-dayers against Harbhajan. He's a quality off spinner, maybe the best off spinner in India. Listen
On whether he sees himself more as a Test player or a one-day player
Both. You've got to be positive in both. Whether in one-days or Tests, if the ball is there to hit, its got to be hit. Batting aggressively is my nature. I dont think I'm not good in four or five day matches. Listen
On how he plans to approach the remaining part of the series
I'll play the same way I've played in this innings, just go out and play my shots, play positive cricket, play with a positive frame of mind. That's it. Listen
On the advice of coach Roger Binny
He's always said one thing. Your natural game is to go and play your shots, just do that. He said once you get bogged down, its very difficult for you to come out of that. Just go and play your natural game, what you know best. And I did that. Listen
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