We are keen to win, says Kallis

All-rounder Jacques Kallis is a vital cog in the South African team machine. Kallis here speaks about his illustrious career and his team's prospects in the Champions Trophy being held in India now.

Excerpts from in interview:

Gulf News: Only Sir Gary Sobers had more than 8000 runs and 200-plus wickets in Tests before you. You have achieved that. If you are to place yourself as an allrounder, where will you place yourself?

Jacques Kallis: See, for me it is more important to know how the team is performing rather than where I am. The most important thing is how am I contributing to the team's success. My own standing is not so important.

Gulf News: But you are definitely one of the most feared all-rounders in present-day cricket like Andrew Flintoff. Chris Gayle is an upcoming allrounder in one dayers too.

Jacques Kallis: Definitely they are superb. But as far as my performances are concerned, I like to decide in the light of my team's performances.

Gulf News: So, what about the chances of your team in the Champions' Trophy?

Jacques Kallis: We are playing well. In the last year, we had chased 434 to win a match and that too against the Aussies. We came to India last year and drew the series 2-2. So, we have a very good chance to win it this time.

Gulf News: You were the winners in the inaugural Champions' Trophy in 1998. But you could not repeat it in the next three editions. Why?

Jacques Kallis: There were some problems definitely. We could not play that well, the others played better.

But this time, we are more determined to win it for ourselves. And I believe we have a very well balanced side to win it.

Gulf News: You are in your thirties. But you had never been the skipper of the side. Does it bother you?

Jacques Kallis: First of all, Graeme (Smith) has been superb as our leader. Every individual is behind him. He is the undisputed leader of our side. Secondly, I was never after captaincy. I do not like it that much. The four or five years left in my career, I want to concentrate only on my performances with the bat and the ball, nothing else.

Gulf News: In practice, you were seen trying to bat like Sehwag or Gayle. Why do you want to change your batting style now?

Jacques Kallis: Is it so? I do not think so. I have been batting as usual.

In fact, we got the right preparation before coming to India and we played well in our practice matches too. Perhaps that was the reason you had felt that we were batting with more confidence, hitting the balls sweetly.

Gulf News: What about your bowling - have you slowed down a bit?

Jacques Kallis: No I haven't. Actually, when you are touring this part of the world, you do not need to try for extra pace.

Rather, it is important to stress on the line and length factors.

That is why it is appearing as I had slowed down a bit. But it is a conscious effort not to go flat out on flat subcontinental wickets.