Subramaniam Badrinath has been one of the pillars of strength in the Tamil Nadu batting line-up for more than a decade.

Mr. Dependable, as he is otherwise known, has time and again bailed his team out of troubled waters through his classy knocks.

A resolute Badrinath, after having played two Tests and seven ODIs, knows what it takes to don the national colours.

In a casual chat with Deccan Chronicle, the Indian middle-order batsman spoke about his love for cars, the crazy things that he has done and his hobbies among a variety of questions.

EXCERPTS:

1. Earliest sporting memory: India winning the 1983 cricket World Cup. I remember listening to the commentary on my dad’s radio.

2. Other sports played: I was an athlete at school. I have also played football.

3. Few words on your school life and how did you fare on academics? Schooldays were very enjoyable. And as for studies, I was an average student.

4. Your first experience holding a cricket bat? It would be while playing on the streets with a rubber ball.

5. What would you have done without cricket? I would have probably tried to become an engineer.

6. Most memorable sporting moment? It was when I got the Test selection call.

7. Worst sporting moment: When I was dropped from the Test squad after the two matches that I played.

8. Sporting heroes: Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Lionel Messi, Boris Becker and Roger Federer.

9. Favourite venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium.

10. Sporting event you would pay the most to see: Any game at the football World Cup.

11. Questions most asked by the public and the press: ‘What else should you do to get selected into the national team?’

12. Sporting motto: To always give it your best shot and carry a never-say-die attitude.

13. Who would you most like to invite to dinner – and why? Kareena Kapoor. I think she’s an interesting personality.

14. Biggest regret: I don’t have any regrets.

15. The best match you ever saw: Federer-Rafael Nadal 2008 Wimbledon final.

16. The person you learnt most from: Michael Hussey.

17. Favourite holiday spot: Europe. Rome, in particular, is a lovely place.

18. How will you like to be remembered? As a cricketer who always gave his 100 percent and as someone who was a complete team-man.

19. Other interests in your life: Photography, golf, music, wildlife.

20. Your one piece of advice to youngsters: Attitude is the keyword. Once you have the right attitude, anything can be achieved.

21. Pet name: My parents call me Vinu, while I am Bat or Bads to my teammates.

22. Your biggest extravaganza: My BMW 320D. However, I am looking to replace it with the latest model. I just love cars.

23. What do you never leave home without? My wallet and mobile phone.

24. The craziest thing you have ever done: I have missed a flight in Mumbai when I went around searching for food at the at the airport premises. I was extremely hungry. In another incident in South Africa, I returned to my hotel in a cab only to find out later that it was not the hotel that I had actually checked in. The subsequent scenes that took place were confusing but at the same time hilarious.

25. Your best trait: It would be my preparation. I make sure not to leave any stone unturned.

26. And your worst: Complacency.

27. One bad habit you wish you could get rid of: Short-temper.

28. What's your worst nightmare? My daughter falling ill.

29. Favourite actor? Russell Crowe.

30. Favourite actress? Kareena Kapoor.

31. Your superstition? I have some habits but no superstition as such.

32. Funniest/Interesting fan letter/proposal? There is this one guy who thinks he knows me better than I know myself (laughs). Recently, he wrote a very emotional letter mentioning all my stats and my achievements.

It is very moving to know that people can actually follow you so passionately. He wants to meet me in person. I think I would grant his wish in one of these days.

33. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I am a person who lives for the day. In fact, I don’t even plan things for the morrow, so five years is too far away.