Dinesh Mongia

Kuala Lumpur: Friday’s ‘semi-final’ against Australia was Dinesh Mongia’s first Team India appearance after 17 months. Yet, there were no nerves and he ended up being the highest scorer (63 not out) on either side. He’d bowled well, too. Mongia spoke to The Telegraph at the team hotel (Traders) on the morning-after.

The following are excerpt

On his comeback

You can’t image the thrill of again wearing the India blue... Believe me, it’s difficult describing the emotions...

On whether he had the time to mentally prepare

Yes, as I was told in advance.

On top-scoring (and making an impact with the ball) in his comeback match

Obviously, on a personal level, I feel nice... The innings is definitely going to lift my confidence... However, it’s disappointing we couldn’t win... We should have made 214... It hurts...

On what went wrong

We didn’t have enough partnerships... While chasing a modest total, usually, a couple of them are enough. That wasn’t to be, as we got only one 50-plus partnership (for the sixth-wicket, between him and Mahendra Singh Dhoni)... Wahi gadbad ho gaya.

On his thoughts when he took guard (47 for three in the 13th over)

That I had to stay till the end... If I did that, and got support, victory would be India’s as the asking rate was small.

On whether captain Rahul Dravid and coach Greg Chappell had anything to say after the match

(Enthusiastically) They were appreciative.

On facing a charged-up Brett Lee and the wily Glenn McGrath

Well, I’ve faced them before... I didn’t feel as if Lee was often bowling at over 90 mph.

On what kept him going in the last 17 months

The desire to again wear the India blue... That’s motivation enough.

On his experience with Leicestershire, for whom he played both in 2005 and this summer

I’ve learnt a lot... Learnt to shoulder more responsibility... County cricket has made me a better professional... In fact, playing for Lancashire (before Leicestershire) also helped... Exposure in both Counties has lifted my self-belief... I mean, if you don’t believe in yourself, why will others have faith in you?

On his approach

I enjoy the game... I don’t complicate things and don’t neglect my bowling.

On looking the fittest he ever has

(Laughs) Don’t have a choice!

On the Champions Trophy

I’m sure my performance yesterday is going to hold me in good stead... Playing at home will be nice.

Finally, on who is going to win Sunday’s final

I won’t say Australia start favourites... One-day cricket is such that playing well on the given day matters most. Not records, not reputations...