Along with the talent, you also need direction.

I get 0.5 seconds to react to a ball, sometimes even less than that. I can't be thinking of what XYZ has said about me. I need to surrender myself to my natural instincts. My subconscious mind knows exactly what to do. It is trained to react. At home, my family doesn't discuss media coverage.

But eventually it is a game of cricket.

Sourav's greatest strength is his mind. He is hardworking - not only in the nets but also mentally. He bounces back.

Critics haven't taught me my cricket, and they don't know what my body and mind are up to.

Schools across India do not have teachers, libraries, playing grounds and even toilets. I do not want to see empty classrooms, empty libraries. I do not want to see cattle grazing on fields meant to be cricket or football grounds.

My life, between 22 yards for 24 years... It's hard to imagine that this is coming to an end.