Kirsten, the best thing for Indian cricket after Sachin: Raina

Greg Chappell was one of his earliest fans, he was named in the list of Wisden's Top 10 most exciting young prospects in world cricket, received the coveted Border-Gavaskar scholarship to train at the Australian Cricket Academy, emerged IPL's best batsman in its short history, and even became the first Indian to score centuries in all three formats. Yet, Suresh Raina has had to constantly prove himself to apprehensive selectors, former players, captains, and only recently sealed a berth in at least two of the three formats. Raina recently joined the big league when the BCCI handed him a Grade 'A' contract. The southpaw, currently at home in Ghaziabad,u00a0 is eager to join his teammates at a camp in Bengaluru starting February 9, followed by his first ICC World Cup that begins on Feb 19. The stylish left-hander spoke to MiD DAY at length yesterday. Gary Kirsten (left) and Suresh RainaExcerptsOn the World Cup:I was a little disappointed to miss out on the previous one (2007). This is a godsend opportunity for me to play in front of the amazing Indian fans, truly a dream come true. I know how pumped up everyone, especially the seniors are, for this. It will be an absolute honour; a privilege to do well at such a big tournament. Everyone will be keeping a close eye. There will be a lot of pressure. If I do well here, it will take my game and confidence to the next level. This is the biggest possible stage. I'm very excited. On the road to the World Cup:I am feeling good about my game though I didn't get too many runs in South Africa. I bat at No 6, so there aren't too many opportunities to score a lot. It's a team game. I always try to contribute in some way or the other. The preparation has been good. I'm looking forward to the camp, and then the practice games to get into some form. We have players, who can use the slog overs really well. We can chase down any total. On changes in his game since 2007:It's been a learning curve ever since I stepped on the field for India at Dambulla (2005). I can sense the changes in my game... thought process, shot selection. It's all about keeping a positive mindset. I take confidence from doing well in my Test debut. I am also the first Indian to score a century in all three formats ufffd that makes me feel good. On the Dressing room atmosphere in 2007 vis- -vis 2011I am young, but have played lot of cricket in my life from school to university, state level, district, and country and this is one of the best dressing rooms I have walked into. There is so much positive energy, belief that we can win from any situation. There is so much knowledge, especially in the Test team because there are almost five, who have played over 100 Tests. When you have icons like Tendulkar and Dhoni in the dressing room, it clams nerves. I don't panic when I am in a pressure situation. On his confidence after getting a Grade 'A' contract:It helps a lot when the authorities are looking at you as one of the main players in the team.u00a0 It is not just Dhoni, but even Tendulkar, who has made a huge difference to my game. When I made my Test debut, Sachin kept saying good things to me. When you taste success in Test cricket, you get even more appreciation from senior players. It is very important to have that atmosphereu00a0 and nobody doubts your place in the team. We chat about the game, about life, enjoy the feeling of being together. We're a strong unit. On the fight with Virat kohli, Yusuf pathan for a spot in the playing XI:Honestly, I am not worried about that. Healthy competition is good for any team. I have been batting at No 5 and 6 in the last few years, and am capable of doing well in crunch situations. On the importance of good fielding and his role as fielding captain:Fielding becomes all the more important particularly when playing in Asia given the fast outfields and great batting conditions. Definitely, fielding will be as important as batting or bowling at this World Cup. If you are defending 240, saving 15 or 30 runs in the circle takes your total to 260 plus. The best fielding side will win more games.On captaining India last year ufffdThere can be no bigger confidence booster. With responsibility comes more runs. 2010 was a fantastic year for me, suddenly people believed in my leadership abilities. On Gary Kirsten's departure after the World Cup ufffdKirsten is the best thing that has happened to Indian cricket since Sachin Tendulkar. The way he functions, the knowledge he possesses about the game, it's simply incredible. He is someone, who respects your thoughts and privacy. The most important thing is the way he communicates with us ufffd he never tries to impose anything. Unless you are Sachin, a normal career lasts for a maximum of eight to 10 years, but according to Gary, 'if you are a good human being, people will remember you after cricket'.u00a0 Gary has been more than just a coach to me.