The IPL is just pure, intense. You don't need all the other stuff. I don't believe in coaches in international cricket.
Personally, I don't think IPL is very tough.
When you sit down and focus on the matches and series that took place during the 12 month period it strikes you just how broad the talent pool is in international cricket is today.
For me looking at the success of some of the women's football World Cups, the crowds they've drawn, the spectacle it has created and the event that it's been I think it's really great cricket is having a go at that as well.
Australia always gives a tough fight, and that's why every player wants to perform against Australia. When you perform against Australia, England, and South Africa, you automatically earn more respect.
There is light at the end of the tunnel for India, but it's that of an oncoming train which will run them over.
When you play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, you face the same bowler next year. But when you play in IPL, you face bowlers of different calibre.
I think it is a good thing for Indian cricket that there is so much competition for opening slot. Players put in more effort because you can be kicked out if you don't play well and make mistakes. I take it positively and try to ensure that I give my best.
India-Pakistan matches always capture the imagination of people from either side.
My biggest concern is that Test cricket and Twenty20 cricket are competing too much. They should be complementing each other and the more they clash the more damaging it will be for cricket.
One-day cricket is a very important part of our play. We've got a long way to go until the next World Cup and for us it's one ruthless game after another where we can play well.
Nothing comes close to the IPL, to be honest.
All people seem to want to talk about is the current Ashes series, and whether England are going to reverse the trend of recent series.
There is no point playing in the IPL when I have retired from international cricket. I did not want a youngster to miss out because of me.
Both sides have been playing tremendous cricket over a couple of years and they're both very good units.
