Jacques Kallis in a happy mood at Eden Gardens last year

Over the years, Jacques Kallis has exemplified the line “let the bat do the talking” — both by scoring tons of runs and by being one of the hardest cricketers to pin down for an interview. The cricket legend finally opened up to t2 on Sunday.

What’s been SRK’s message for the Knights this season?

We haven’t had too much contact with him this season, at least in the Dubai leg. He’s been quite busy with the shooting of his forthcoming film (Happy New Year) and we haven’t caught up quite that much. He hasn’t sent a message across to the team as such; just to keep enjoying ourselves and the game of cricket.

How much have you missed the Eden roar?

It’s always nice to play at home, which is why it’s sad that we haven’t got there yet. We will have to wait for a few more days before we get back to home territory and all of us are looking forward to playing at Eden Gardens. We’ve missed the energy of the crowd and the noise... quite simply there’s nothing quite like playing at home. I, for one, am looking forward to getting back there.

What do you like most about Calcutta?

The people are very friendly. I really enjoy the city and the way it sort of absorbs us. It really makes the cliche ‘a home away from home’ sound very real.

Besides playing golf, what else do you like to do in Calcutta?

Oh anything, you know. I like to get out of my hotel room every now and again to see the sights and enjoy the city, the food and the people and to embrace all that it has to offer. Shopping and checking out the restaurants is enjoyable too.

Kallis at his alma mater, Wynberg Boys High School, in Cape Town. The Jacques Kallis Foundation sends boys to this and other schools

Speaking of golf, how keen a golfer are you?

A round of golf is a nice way to get away and relax and do something that I enjoy, which is why I try and get out and play as much as I can.

Who is your favourite golfer and which is your favourite golf course?

I don’t really have a favourite golfer. I think all the professional golfers on the Tour right now go about their business well. So it’s difficult to choose one. But if I had to, it would probably be (fellow South African) Ernie Els.

My favourite golf courses to play on would be back home in Cape Town, at the Westlake Golf Club, and the Leopard Creekcourse (next to Kruger National Park).

Who is the best Knight golfer?

Ummm… I don’t know. We haven’t had a chance to play golf this season, so we’ll have to wait and see. When we get to Delhi we hope to get some golf in. I would be able to answer you after I’ve had a hit with the current lot. Over the years we have played some golf together but now we have some new players and we don’t know who’s good and who’s not, so we’ll just have to wait and see!

Kallis with girlfriend Kim Rivalland at a souk (market) in Dubai recently

Your all-time favourite all-rounder?

I’ve never been one to follow too many cricketers. Even when I was growing up, I never really had any favourite. I don’t have one from the current crop either.

What are the fun things you did in the UAE? Shopping, eating, touring...

Yeah, it was pretty much the touristy thing that we did in the UAE. Shopping, getting out to a few restaurants... but we didn’t get out too much.

You have been tweeting and re-tweeting about Kim Rivalland. Will she be coming to Calcutta? What have you told her about the city to make her want to come here?

I don’t think she will be coming to Calcutta. At this stage she’s still in the UAE and she hasn’t made up her mind yet. It pretty much depends a lot on how we are playing. She really wants to get in and have a look at the place but we’ll just have to wait and see how the season pans out.

What’s your passion apart from cricket?

I’ve got my foundation (the Jacques Kallis Foundation) that I’m pretty passionate about. We basically put some kids through school, kids who wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. It’s pretty much cricket-based but it gives them an opportunity in life they would not have had.

How is life after retirement from Tests? How much cricket do you watch, now that you’ve hung up your boots?

No, I don’t watch cricket at all now that I’ve retired from Tests.... I try and get away from cricket and catch up with family and friends that I haven’t been able to do over the last few years.

Do you play any other sport?

I used to play a little rugby at school but now there’s nothing besides cricket and golf.

On the boss

Favourite SRK film: Quite interestingly, I have seen quite a few and it’s difficult to choose one. There are so many and I’ve enjoyed all the movies that he’s been involved in. They’ve been good fun to watch.

Favourite SRK moment: Look, he’s a very humble man and that’s the one thing that stands out for me.

Last SRK film you watched and loved: Chennai Express . And yes, I loved it!