AB DE VILLIERS

My mindset in all three formats, in any situation, is exactly the same. I just want to get myself in, get myself a nice foundation to hopefully attack and dominate the bowlers.

We all grow up dreaming of playing international cricket.

I know Test cricket is more about endurance. T20 is more about innovating, creating, and the energy at the wicket.

I watch the ball, and I just play. I have always said that I don't feel there's a big difference between the three formats. It is just a mindset, applying yourself to the wicket and conditions, and that's always been the way that I have played.

I try and watch the ball closely. I've played the game for many years now, and I know my talent will take over if I just watch the ball and enjoy myself out there.

The main lesson I learned from 2015 is that a World Cup doesn't define a player's career.

It's not really part of the game to say, 'Oh, it's a batter's game; it's a batter's game' - I don't know why it goes on. It's a beautiful game that's greatly competitive between bat and ball.

I do enjoy fielding.

Far from being a mere consequence of winning, strong team spirit is an essential ingredient of sporting success; it comes before, not afterwards.

I'm not a nice guy on the field, and I've never really respected a guy who's been a 'nice guy' on the field. I want opposition to be hard, to play to win the game for their team.

Obviously I want to be there at the end every time, winning games for the team.

I have played incredible knocks with the lightest of bats.

There are lots of mentally very tough players that I have played against and with.

I was brought up to always see the glass half full instead of half empty and played my cricket that way.

Winning an official World Cup with the South African team had become my burning ambition.

Wrong is wrong. Guys try to find a way to get the ball to reverse, but you have to stay in the laws.

I've always kept it very simple. I'm a big believer that basics stay the same for all the formats.

I believe I am strong mentally. My breaking points might be bigger than most players. I think it's because of the way I grew up with my two older brothers. They pushed my limits quite often - once every day, I think! I think that played a big role in my breaking point being bigger than most players. Not all players.

An IPL match may be decided when the ball passes inches beyond the grasp of a fielder on the boundary or when a direct hit catches a batsman inches short of the crease.

It's always been the most important thing for me to enjoy my cricket.

Every wicket you play on is different.

It's always been about the team; it's never been about myself.

My personal goals have always and will always take a backseat to the team.

I don't care about hundreds, fifties, averages.

It was a bit of a surprise when the national captaincy came my way.