From his buddies in the team to his chemistry with his wife, Ajinkya Rahane answered a range of questions. Excerpts: Amara ZD - What does it take to be the brilliant close-in fielder that you are? Ajinkya Rahane - It takes lots of hard work, patience, practice and commitment. We regularly take 50-100 catches during training. I think hard work and communication between us and coaches is something very important. Raj Paul - Which has been the most memorable moment of your cricket life so far? AR - For me, my most memorable moment was when I got my first India call-up. The memories are still fresh in my mind and I still remember those moments. I spoke to my mother at that time and till date it is my most memorable moment. Getting a Test cap from Harbhajan Singh in New Delhi against Australia is also memorable. Shreyas Mahajan - Which is your favourite Test Venue in India and outside Asia? AR - My favourite Test venue is the Wankhede Stadium as I am from Mumbai and I love playing there. Outside Asia, my favourite venues are the Lord’s and the MCG as I got hundreds there and we won a Test match at Lord’s. Srijit Ghosh - Who is the most difficult bowler you have faced till now? AR - I think it is very difficult to give one name. Every bowler is very dangerous and challenging to face at the highest level. I think every bowler, every opponent is very challenging. But one name I can think of is Dale Steyn may be. He is very experienced and a wicket-taking bowler. Balaji Messi - If you could bat with one batsman from the past, who would you choose and why?

AR - My role models are Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. I would love to bat with them again. I have been following them since childhood. Jeevan Arya - Which is your favourite catch? AR - My favourite catch is of Kumara Sangakkara in Sri Lanka. I took it with one hand on my left off Ashwin’s bowling. I felt it was a match-winning catch. Bharath Kumar - What are your thoughts on day-night Test matches and Test championship? AR - I think the day-night Test is a really good concept. It will take some time for players to adjust. It might take about 10-12 games or less to adjust. Cricket is moving forward and it is very good for the game and we should try something different to entertain the crowd and give us a result. Going forward, it will be a very good idea, but it will need some time to adjust.

Smriti Sinha - Apart from cricket, which sport do you love? Apart from cricket, I love lawn tennis. Whenever I get an opportunity, I practice at BKC (Mumbai). My brother used to play, but now he is completely into studies. My favourite player is Roger Federer. Sunaina Singh - Do you remember your first cricket bat or any related memory? Yes, I still have my first bat. I bought it for around Rs 300-350. I still cherish those moments I played with that bat. Mosam Jain - Which is the one thing that you try to resist as much as you can while you are at the crease? AR - I think it is a very good question. Most of the time, the mind makes you think about the future or thinking about the past. I try to stay in the present and think about the ongoing moment. Vinod Charan - During fielding in the slip, do you watch the ball from the bowler's hand into your palm or concentrate on the edge of the bat? AR – I normally concentrate on the edge of the bat as for me watching the batsman is important. I need to stay focussed on the field and if I watch the bowler, I might lose my concentrations. Sandeep Sandhu - Tell us about your love story with your wife. And how has your life changed after marriage? AR – We have known each other for about seven years. We used to live in the same building complex. We were friends for a long time and then decided to get married. She has been really supportive. She knows my role and routines whenever I am on tour. She does not disturb me and always supports me which is something very important. She is very understanding and calm, like me. Whenever I go back to our room, I know she is always there for me whether I had a good time or bad. Aryan Dutt - You are generally a very calm person. When was the last time you got angry? AR - I don’t remember when I lost my cool the last time. I am a calm person. I was a shy kid. I like to keep my anger inside and express through my batting.

S.T. Bhattacharyaa - What would you say to a 10-year-old boy when he comes and says he wants to be like you? AR - My simple answer would be not to copy me. Don’t copy anyone. Just be what you are and be yourself. We follow our role models but it is important to be yourself on the field. My advice is to focus on your game and believe in your ability.

Nayan Basmatkar - What are the three words that define Ajinkya Rahane?

Simple, calm and humble! Sachin Barath - Tell us about Ashwin’s bowling and your fielding combination AR: He is bowling really well at the moment and I like to take catches. Whenever he is bowling, there is an opportunity. So I know I will take 3-4 catches when he is bowling.