Being an international cricketer and representing your country at the highest level is a very big honour. A lot of people work hard towards it, but only a few get the chance to play for their country, hence it is necessary to work hard.

Every year on August 15, I get up early to watch the hoisting of the Indian flag in New Delhi on television. Even now, whenever I am in India, I wake up early for it. It is a really special day for our country.

Independence Day means a lot to me. We learnt a lot about how our country got Independence in our history books in school, and I still haven't forgotten it. Many people sacrificed their lives for the country.

There is something special about the traditions, cultures and values of our country, which cannot be found in any other country. Hence a lot of people from other countries like our country and its people a lot.