Have you recovered from your injury fully or you have decided to play on because of the significance of the series against Australia?

My hand is fully recovered. The medical team is managing my elbow injury until there is a gap in our schedule to allow for surgery.

But how come there is such a transformation in your team - where have all those chokers gone? You guys are showing an indomitable fighting spirit, you yourself have batted with a broken hand.

There is no history of chokers with this team as evidenced by our win in the famous 438 game (South Africa chased that total against Australia at Wanderers in March 2006). You have to get into a winning position to choke and, when we have got on top, we have generally gone on to win.

From coach Mickey Arthur to chief selector Mike Procter- everyone is saying the transformation is because of you.

I say the development of this South African team has been a team effort and there are many people who have contributed to that. Not just me.

Where does the team go from here?

There is always room for improvement and the South African team is always trying to get better both as individuals and as a team.

What do you make of the current Indian team?

I think they are a strong team who deserve to be respected.

Do you think Australia are no longer the force they were?

The Australian team is going through a transitory phase at present. But they will always be hard to beat.

You think it is India, not Australia, who are your main challengers?

They are both strong challengers. India have done very well. Particularly when they play at home.

Which is the bigger challenge, beating India in India or beating Australia in Australia?

You can't really compare them as they both offer their own unique challenges.

You have been compared - at least in India - as the best skipper in the world alongside MS Dhoni.

I will rather leave it for other people to pass judgment on that matter.

Ok, how do you rate Dhoni as skipper?

He has made a very good start to this aspect of his career.

Your current series against Australia could decide the world No 1. How do you look at it?

I think it will be very tough series for both the teams and it will boil down to winning the key moments.

Your personal form has been amazing. What is the secret?

There is no real secret. I am more comfortable with my game both as a player and as a captain than at any other stage of my career.

You came out to bat with a bandage? How and why did you do that? You would have risked your career.

I knew I was taking a risk but it was a chance to save a match and there were only 10 balls left when the match finished.

Following that injury, you left for home and your team went on to beat Australia in the ODIs. Your absence was not felt by your own team. It's a joke, but I still need your answer.

The team did very well in the ODIs which, I think, was very pleasing.