Glasgow: With a couple of three-wicket hauls in Belfast (against Ireland and South Africa), Piyush Chawla is returning home with reputation enhanced. The second-youngest (after Sachin Tendulkar) Indian to be given a Test cap, Piyush had to wait 14 months for his next Team India appearance — the second ODI in Dhaka, earlier this summer. He picked up three wickets and ensured he would be a certainty in the one-day squad.

The Moradabad-based Piyush is just 19-plus and, clearly, is an allrounder in the making. In time, his batting may attract as much attention as his googlies. He spoke to The Telegraph at the Hilton on Wednesday morning, before heading for London and taking the flight home.

The following are excerpts

On having made an impact in conditions suited for the new-ball bowlers

I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied, but I bowled well in Belfast... I knew conditions would be different from the subcontinent, but didn’t allow that to affect me mentally... After all, bowling to karni hi thi.

On whether it was difficult gripping the ball

In the first few overs, after that it was okay... At this level, I’ve got to adjust to all conditions. It’s part of the pressure.

On the one performance which gave him some satisfaction

(Laughs) The first ODI versus South Africa, where I got three wickets... Being satisfied is a long way off... I’m so new to big-time cricket... I don’t even know whether I’ll ever be satisfied.

On being out of Team India for over a year after his Test debut against England (Mohali, March 2006)

I was definitely disappointed, but knew I had age on my side... Also realised I had to get better and that I had to make the most of every opportunity, whatever the level.

On whether his Test debut came too early

It was the selectors’ call.

On his debut

I was nervous... There was a time when I would dream of meeting Sachin and the others... And there I was, sharing the dressing room space... I don’t think I bowled badly (none for 45 and eight for one), but could have done better.

On turning out for India A and captaining the U-19s in the period he was out of Team India

The India A tour to Australia and the U-19 trip to New Zealand were most beneficial... The other tours also helped me mature... I’m at an age where I’m learning every day.

On whether Anil Kumble's retirement from ODIs made his comeback easier

No... Whether he’d retired or not, I could only have come back after good performances in domestic cricket and at other levels... That’s what happened.

On tips from Kumble

I spoke to him at length during the bowlers’ camp in Mysore last month... Anilbhai made quite a few suggestions, chiefly that spinners must be patient and that I should look at varying the pace.

On his idol

Nobody, but main bahut players’ se seekha hoon.

On what made him become a leg-spinner

Perhaps, not many know that I started as an opener... I began playing for Youth Club (in Morabadad) from a very young age and, one day, we were short on bowlers. The coach, Mr K.K.Gautam, jokingly asked whether I could bowl. I said I would try leg-spin. Laughing, he then asked ‘ball us end tak phek pauge ya nahin?’ I assured him I would. Afterwards, Mr Gautam suggested that I forget about opening and concentrate on becoming a leg-spinner.

On whether he’s in touch with his first coach

Yes... I’ve talked to him before every tour in the India colours. Mr Gautam is a mentor.

On whether he’s fond of other sport

No... Unlike many of my teammates, I don’t follow soccer or tennis.

On unwinding

I like going out with friends... I’m fond of films and am looking forward to watching Himesh Reshammiya’s Aap ka Suroor... I don’t have a favourite singer or group, but listen to whatever sounds good. The Awarapan songs are nice.

Finally, on the immediate future

I’ll keep working hard and wait for the next opportunity.