Coach Bob Woolmer believes Kamran Akmal is right up there among the top wicketkeepers of the present times and the Pakistan coach isn?t off the mark. The 23-year-old is outstanding. Moreover, he is more than handy with the bat ? something the Indians learnt in the first Test (Mohali). Akmal, who feels ?threatened? by younger brother Adnan, spoke to The Telegraph the other evening.

The following are excerpts

On when he started off as a ?keeper

In 1995-96? I used to play as a batsman for Model Town Cricket Centre (in Lahore) but decided to try my hand, as a wicketkeeper as well, at the trials for the U-15 Lombard Bank-sponsored World Cup. As it turned out, I got selected, but not as a specialist batsman! My career as ?keeper, therefore, began rather unusually? I went on to do well in that tournament where we lost to the Reetinder Singh Sodhi-captained Indian boys in the final at Lord?s?

On the time it took to be comfortable with the big gloves

I didn?t have to make too much of an effort? Main bas wicketkeeping pe dhyan dene laga? It helped that I was quickly included in the National Bank team? That allowed exposure and brought me to the selectors? notice.

On his idol

Rashid Latif? The catch he took of Mohammed Azharuddin off Waqar Younis in the 1996 World Cup (quarters, in Bangalore) is still fresh? Woh sari zindagi yaad rahe ga.

On having been Latif?s understudy before his debut (in 2002-03)

Rashidbhai helped a lot, made me understand the essentials of my job. Today, I?m also grateful to my coach, Mohammed Jameel.

On having had to contend with Moin Khan?s comeback rather early in his career

Unka aur mera to koi muqable nahin hai? He has served Pakistan so well? (After a pause) I didn?t give up when I got dropped and, thanks to Allah, I?m back. I can?t be stopped if I?m destined to play. Jitna khelna likha hai, utna main khelunga.

On whether he envies a contemporary

Adam Gilchrist? His collection is excellent and he brings off amazing catches.

On interacting with him on the recent tour of Australia

Gilchrist confirmed that a ?keeper can?t relax for even a minute and suggested I must practice for two-three hours every day. I spoke to world record-holder Ian Healy as well and he said much the same thing? Hamesha involved rehna hota hai?

On how he concentrates

By telling myself ball aa raha hai, ball aa raha hai? Mujhe pakadna hai, mujhe pakadna hai? If I miss anything, I tell myself I can?t slip-up on the next ball? It?s a tense job.

On what he learnt in Australia

Handling the best bowlers? That tour was an education because pitches in the subcontinent are so different... Even as a wicketkeeper, I emerged better?

On having got a one-day hundred (124 against the West Indies in Brisbane) as an opener

All by the grace of Allah? Opening wasn?t difficult as I?ve opened (in limited overs matches) in domestic cricket.

On how he unwinds

Listening to music? A.R. Rahman and Sonu Nigam are among my favourites?

On whether he is into other sport as well

I like watching soccer and I?m a David Beckham fan? His passing, his sheer presence is a refreshing change from the rest. I also keep track of tennis ? Andre Agassi is my favourite? Of course, there?s little time to follow either soccer or tennis when I?m in Pakistan? On tours, though, I?m glued to the sports channels.

On this tour of India

I?m grateful to Allah that I?ve come back for a full tour ? last November, we only came for the Platinum Jubilee ODI? I?ve psyched myself to be a success.

On the pressure factor

It?s on both teams.

On whether he has an immediate goal

I want to stump Sachin Tendulkar.

On Adnan

(Laughs) I fear him the most? See him as a ?threat?? He has equalled Wasim Bari?s Quaid-e-Azam record (11 catches in a match) and is out to take my place? Indeed, earlier this season, he was initially picked for the Peshawar ODI versus Zimbabwe.

On their relationship at home

Ghar mein bhaiyon ki tarah hain? There?s no competition (at home)? I inspired him to take up ?keeping, lekin woh mere hi peeche lag gaya hai! At times, even teammates tease that he?s better? Being the elder brother, I do pray for his success. However, he shouldn?t knock me off too soon.

On whether life has begun to change after that heroic Test-saving 109 in Mohali

Nahin.

Finally, on whether there?s more pressure as expectations have soared

(Laughs again) Actually, after the first Test, pressure kam ho gaya hai.