NOTTINGHAM: India's opening batsman Abhinav Mukund Wednesday asserted that it will serve him and his team best if he plays his own game rather than trying to fill in the "big boots" of injured Virender Sehwag.
Mukund was impressive in the first innings of the Lord's Test, scoring 49 at a decent strike rate of 55. He fell for 12 in the second innings as India went on to lose the match by 196 runs.
The southpaw said he will continue playing his own game in the second Test beginning at Trentbridge Friday.
"It is big boots (Sehwag's) to fill but I want to play my own game," Mukund told reporters.
"I don't want to replace Sehwag. I just want to play how I want to play. If it comes off it is going to help the team."
Mukund said he is learning every day after being part of the squad since the West Indies tour.
"To be part of this set-up, anyone who comes in as a new batsman will learn every day. Even in the nets, there are so many people you look up to.
"A pat on the back from someone like Sachin does anyone's confidence the world of good.
"I have definitely improved over the last few months and I am looking forward to keeping improving."
The Tamil Nadu opener is confident of his team fighting back in the four-match series.
"We are all disappointed but there are a lot of good things we can take from the previous game.
"Being the world number one team, the India team has conquered a lot of challenges on the way here. We are experienced enough. We have come here to take on this challenge."
Meanwhile, India are hoping Sehwag to be fit for the third Test at Edgbaston.