Dhaka, May 30 :     The elements marred Hemang Badani's India debut today, but it is unlikely the 23-year-old's enthusiasm has taken a beating. While insisting he felt 'great,' this morning, Badani acknowledged he had 'gone blank.' Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: 'I want to do very well but, besides that, I can't think of anything...' Unless the Bangladesh match is washed-out, tomorrow, the interruption could even be a blessing in disguise: Southpaw Badani, whose roots are in Saurashtra but whose family has been in Chennai for years, will get that many more hours to overcome nerves. Incidentally, Badani's father Kamal is expected to arrive in the next couple of days. So, the family's emotional support won't exactly be long-distance. Badani, a commerce graduate, spoke on the eve of India's Asia Cup campaign. Following are excerpts On his maiden senior India summons It's something I worked towards for a number of years. I always believed - yes, had the confidence - that I would make it. It was a matter of time. On graduating from the colts and India A team The under-19 series against South Africa, in 1995-96, was specially important. The runs I got against Makhaya Ntini and Mornantau Hayward boosted my confidence in a big way. On being first named among the 25 (Cup) probables Saw it as coming one step closer... I knew it was up to me to make the most of the opportunity. I concentrated very hard in whatever I did; didn't fool around. Don't think I did anything very different, though... I'm, of course, grateful Paaji (coach Kapil Dev) gave me high marks. On being picked The news was conveyed by Sriram (who, like Vinod Kambli, got pipped), my roommate in Pune... It took a few days for the excitement to settle down. However, no matter how many times I get selected, this first call-up will remain special. On the past three years when he would regularly be talked about, but the call-up never materialised Didn't lose heart... Knew I would, some day, get to play. If you're good enough, you won't be denied. As I'm the religious sort, I kept faith in God as well. On those he is indebted to Robin Singh, Woorkeri Raman... Messrs Swathi and Shyam, my coaches in school... MRF, too. On his idols Viv Richards and Paaji. Both were such naturals and so very destructive. Among today's players I admire Sachin, Sourav and Steve Waugh. Akram as well. On his hobbies English movies and western music. Finally, on the pressure-factor in international cricket (Laughs) It's really a state of the mind. If you're good enough to make it (in the big league), you surely have it in you to deliver.s