VVS : Character. To treat success and failure on the same wavelength. It also taught me to
be very balanced and obviously whatever I am today is because of cricket. SS :What was the most difficult phase of your career? VVS : It was when I had to prefer cricket to academics. That was the toughest moment of
my life. Though there was always the dream to play for my country, I also had a
natural desire to be a doctor, coming from a family of doctors. Luckily, my father
gave me the complete freedom to choose any one of the two. Here the role of my
uncle Baba Mohan was very crucial along with some of the coaches then.
SS : Do you believe that it will be difficult for the modern-day young talent to
make it as big as you did? Have things changed a lot in this regard?
VVS : Frankly, now-a-days it is more easy to perform and be recognised because of the
media glare. There are many platforms for real talent to come good and the IPL is
one such which pushes you into national reckoning. If you perform you are bound
to get recognized.
SS : From where did you draw the strength to emerge as a giant every time there
was an effort to dwarf your achievements? VVS : My parents and my entire family again. They, along with my well-
wishers, were always the source of inspiration. The best part is
that they never changed irrespective of whether I was performing
or not. SS : What were your biggest moments as a cricketer?
VVS : There were many. But some stand out. Though I never played the
World Cup that saw India as the No.1 team, being a member of
the Indian team which was the world No.1 in Test cricket was
one of them. The 281 against the Aussies in Kolkata in 2001 was
another. That Test remains the most memorable match for me. In
fact, that Test series was very special for all the players for it
was also the best and the most memorable series. That series
gave us the confidence that we can be the best. Clearly, that was
the turning point of Indian cricket itself.
SS : What were your biggest moments as a cricketer?