Let's start by talking about your beginnings. How easy or difficult was it to play cricket in Madras?

It was very difficult in Madras because there was nobody who bowled really quick. My ambition right from a young age was to be a quick bowler. I used to carry a photograph of Dennis Lillee in my kit bag at all times. He was my idol... [Audio]

It is very rare that we produce genuinely quick bowlers in India and especially so in Tamil Nadu. You must have been overjoyed when you made your debut against Pakistan?

I was playing a Ranji Trophy match and suddenly the news was heard on television that Madan Lal was injured and that a replacement was sought. My name was discussed and splashed all over the place, but still TNCA was not willing to send me. When they got the official word from the BCCI I was sent. When I reached Pakistan there was nobody to pick me up from the airport because the team were not informed that I was coming... [Audio]

After those 2 Tests you were overlooked by the selectors for many years. Then again before the West Indies tour in 1989 you were asked to join the camp in Madras but eventually did not get picked. How did you rate your chances when that call came?

At that juncture I was playing for Madhya Pradesh as a professional. Myself and Sandeep Patil were invited by Madhavrao Scindia to play for Madhya Pradesh and boost the side. I didn't want to play for Tamil Nadu because they did not think I had cricket left in me. I felt I had enough in me to stage a comeback. By this time I had also become the head coach of the MRF Pace Foundation... [Audio]