Sreesanth: They were a bit on the slower side. More like Indian wickets. However, you never know how the new turfs would behave. But it was definitely great to be there just a year before the World Cup of all tournaments. We did get a hang of the conditions.

Q: The Indians will be based at Trinidad. And Trinidad is a 'happening' place. Your thoughts on the same?

Sreesanth: Lara, 'King Lara', hails from there. And as he tells you; there is only one life to live, so why not live it to the fullest? His countrymen endorse this philosophy. They cannot be glum for more than five minutes. Trinidad is home to several Indians, Malayalees included. It is indeed a happy and 'happening' place. I have no doubt that we will enjoy our stay there.

Q: That should suit you since you too love dancing, surfing...

Sreesanth: Well, I do love dancing, but when you are on World Cup duty, the main objective is to play well and think about these hobbies only after you do something special. Cricket is my topmost priority, and the others will follow if we get the right kind of opportunity. For the next two months, I want to concentrate only on cricket.

Q: Where were you when India won in 1983?

Sreesanth: In my mother's womb!

Q: When did you actually realise that you have been born in a World Champion nation?

Sreesanth: My brother is an avid cricket-follower. He is a big fan of Mr. Sunil Gavaskar. Whenever you talk cricket to him, he will tell you about 'Gavaskar sir'. I was fortunate to develop the habit of reading books. It was through books and my brother that I learnt about the World Cup win.

Q: You would have watched the 2003 final.

Sreesanth: Yes, what an occasion! We were playing Karnataka in the 2002-03 Ranji Trophy Plate Group final. We watched the World Cup final on the giant screen of the Chinnaswamy stadium. I still remember how excited we were on the eve of the game. True, it wasn't our day, but our cricketers played terrific cricket for one-and-a-half months before the game. We will try to do the same in the 2007 World Cup.

Q: What are your expectations from this World Cup?

Sreesanth: I want to be realistic. If everything works out, there is every chance of our emerging with flying colours. But I want to take things as they come. Everything depends on the day's performances. We are confident of giving hundred percent on the ground. If we do bring the Cup home, it will be impossible to compare that achievement with anything else, definitely.

(An exclusive feature for Sify from PMG)