Karachi: Sourav Ganguly is the captain and Rahul Dravid is regarded as Steve Waugh’s ‘successor’, yet Sachin Tendulkar is the one most sought after in these parts. If one needed confirmation, that came through on Team India’s 747 flight from Lahore on Friday: Dozens of co-passengers headed for seat 24 C, occupied by Sachin, without concerning themselves too much with the other players.

In a wonderful gesture, the former captain didn’t disappoint anybody. Clearly, he did his bit to further Indo-Pak relations. The other evening, of course, Sachin did his bit to extend a long-standing relationship with The Telegraph — he spoke for around 30 minutes.

The following are excerpts

Q You were a shy 16-year-old on your first trip to Pakistan and Karachi (1989-90). What were your emotions when you left New Delhi the other day?

A Realised we’re setting out on a big tour... However, just because it’s Pakistan, doesn’t mean we’ve got to do something different. To produce quality cricket, we will have to stick to the basics.

Did you, at any time, feel you were too young for the premier league?

Oh, no... Not for a moment.

Were you nervous — or, even scared?

If anything, I was very excited... Very thrilled... I couldn’t wait for my first India cap.

Do you recall packing anything in particular?

(Laughs) Can’t think of something off-hand... Those days, it was (brother) Ajit who helped with the packing. He would draw up a list and keep ticking as the items were put away. I’ve begun to do much the same myself... Now, it comes naturally.

Apart from being hit by Waqar Younis in the Sialkot Test, an injury that made a man out of you, is there something about that first trip which you recall off-the-cuff?

The limited overs match in Peshawar, where I tore into Abdul Qadir... I took some sixes off him and, even though it wasn’t an official game (because of interference from the elements), that knock gave plenty of confidence.

Is it true that Qadir challenged you?

He said I should pick on him instead of going for young Mushtaq Ahmed. He probably asked whether I had the guts... So...

How did your first day in Test cricket (at the National Stadium) go?

We fielded and, by stumps, I was dead tired. If I remember correctly, I went off to sleep as soon as we got back to the hotel... Of course, I did wake up after a few hours for a light dinner.

The exchanges haven’t been regular, but how do you regard Pakistan as an opposition?

Tough... They’ve always had some world class players... I expect the next five weeks to be exciting.

There’s been so much talk of pressure... There’s also been a suggestion that Pakistan will be weighed down more. Do you agree?

But cricket won’t get any easy (for India). I don’t expect very many to back us but, if things aren’t going well for Pakistan, the crowd could turn against the home team. For Pakistan, that will then be real pressure.

Your achievements are well documented, but how do you personally look back on over 14 years of international cricket?

As anybody else, I’ve changed and changed for the better... I’ve grown as a person and a cricketer... Obviously, the responsibilities have grown as well and I’ve learnt to cope. (After a pause) I must add that support from the family has made things so much easier... Has allowed me to focus exclusively on cricket. In fact, the family has made sacrifices to enable me to become the person and cricketer I am.

Do you accept that there have been periods of high pressure, like in Australia recently, till that career-best 241 not out in the Sydney Test?

Pressure is always there... It’s there when I score; it’s there when I don’t. When I score, people want more and, when I don’t get runs, people want me to get them. I’ve learnt to live with pressure... I don’t have a choice... Having said that, expectations keep growing every second and, so, the individual must be clear about what he himself wants to achieve... For example, only I know best what I can achieve... Actually, I’m a bit nervous even before a charity match... That nervousness has become part of my system.

That’s an unusual ‘confession’...

Well, it’s the truth.

Today, what are your thoughts on that Sydney knock?

Will always remain special... Things hadn’t been going my way, but I was determined. ... I planned the innings, consciously cutting out some shots... I definitely played a tighter game and, looking back, the shot-selection pleases me. That effort was built around discipline and I proved to myself that I could change my style and still deliver.

Is that your best Test innings?

No. 1 is the 114 I got in Perth, during the 1991-92 tour.

How should youngsters handle pressure?

By concentrating on cricket and not getting distracted or influenced by things which shouldn’t concern them. The basics of cricket won’t ever change, though matters around the game could. Generally, enjoyment must be given priority... With enjoyment will come a free mind.

Have you a ‘goal’ for the ODIs and Tests in Pakistan?

Not in terms of X number of runs.

The other day, what prompted you to say that fans at home must be prepared for both the good days and bad?

Because the players can give hundred per cent, nothing more. If, even after that, the result isn’t favourable then the players can’t be faulted. Basically, fans shouldn’t go over the top emotionally. The player’s mind will be free if a mistake is accepted as one and not given a twist. Talking of myself, I believe in the Almighty... Whatever is destined, is going to happen.

Finally, what brings you the most joy?

(Grins) A happy dressing room... A jovial dressing room.