How would you rate India's performance?
It's disappointing not to win the tournament after beating two of the best teams in the world. Nobody likes losers and I am sure, lot of people will forget our victories against Australia and South Africa. Overall, there have been more gains than losses. We have found two excellent young boys who are capable of doing well on the international stage. As a team we can now turn the corner.
The boys also seem to be buoyant. Any special exercise regime?
None at all. We now have a clutch of boys who are eager to do well, and then we have seniors who've played a lot of cricket and know what the past has been like. They understand the value of team spirit and a lot of interaction among us is doing us good. We have been lacking in understanding and spirit in recent times.
How good are Yuvraj and Zaheer?
Both of them are extremely talented and transmit the right body language that someone of their age should do. Both are positive cricketers and play their natural games. Zaheer is pacy and accurate and after Srinath, this is the first time I have seen an Indian bowl so quick. He's done well in Nairobi and has a good future. Yuvraj played two lovely knocks and he strikes the ball hard and clean. He did get carried away at times, but that's natural for a newcomer. He needs proper handling and it's my job to nurse these lads. They have to do well in Test cricket now.
What are the deficiencies of this team?
We need another specialist batsman in the side. That should give us the perfect balance. We have to nurture junior boys. But we also have to ensure that these lads are capable of facing international teams.
Are you enjoying captaincy?
It's always an honour to lead India. To captain a team that has been under the spotlight for the wrong reasons is all the more challenging. If you know that you are captaining a side where loyalty is guaranteed, the level of confidence goes up. So far, the trend has been encouraging and I am enjoying my role. There are bound to be lows, but that's normal in a game like cricket. But we seem to have gained a position from where the odds can now be sorted out.
