Arbaaz Khan is an avid cricket fan just like his father Salim Khan. The actor-producer who is also the brand ambassador of Gillette took some time out to talk to us about cricket, India's chances at this World Cup and his favourite Indian player, Virat Kohli. Excerpts from the interview.

Has India's form and victories in the world cup come as a surprise to you?

After losing to Australia in Australia in Tests and one-day matches, this current performance has certainly come as a pleasant surprise. I think all that time spent in Australia in getting used to the conditions has now come good. Also, for me the win against Pakistan was not a big one. Pakistan being an inexperienced unit couldn't have defeated us. We would have won anyways. It would have been a shocker had they defeated us. For me, it's that win against South Africa which made the difference.

What do you like about the current Indian team?

They are a bunch of enthusiastic youngsters who are out there to win. Earlier batsmen used to get out to a loose shot played at a time when it was not necessary. But today I don't see that recklessness. They value their wicket a lot more and credit has to go to the training and conditioning that they have received.

Any areas of worries from a fan's perspective?

I think bowling still remains the biggest chink in our armour. Our batting is our strong point and fielding's good too. But we don't have quality bowlers like Australia or South Africa. Also, since we are not playing in subcontinent conditions, spinners may not have a big say.

How would you rate India's chances at the World Cup?

Realistically speaking, our chances are behind Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. These are superior teams with superior units. But then on our good day, we can upstage anyone with ease.

Tell us who is the best cricketer in the Khan family?

Has to be my Dad. He used to play a lot of cricket in his younger days. Among us brothers, I bat, sometimes bowl and never field. Salman bats, never bowls and never fields. Sohail bats, bowls and fields.

Salman once told us in an interview that he is not much into cricket. Is it true?

Yes, it's true. Salman can hardly name all the 11 players of our team. He may know Indian team's captain but ask him about other teams and he will be clueless. I don't think he watches much cricket either. It's me and dad who are avid cricket fans.

But we have seen him bat left-handed and well enough too...

Yes, he has a flair for batting. He used to bat left handed and bowl right handed. But he hardly is interested in the game.

Gillette razors promote clean shave but majority of our cricketers sport stubbles. Your comment?

(Smiles) Except for Dhoni. See, we promote clean shave because that makes you look handsome and well groomed. You walk into a room with a clean shaven face people will take you seriously. I prefer clean shaved look and hopefully we will achieve that with the Indian team as well.

Who are your favourite players in the current world cup?

From India, it's obviously Virat Kohli. Internationally, AB De Villers. But my all-time favourite player is Brian Lara. That man was a class act.

Speaking about Virat, he has been in the news for abusing a journalist. As a celeb who has faced such adverse media reports, what will be your advice to him?

He is young, hot-blooded and aggressive. I think it would be unfair to treat him with the same yardstick that we apply for others. His aggressive nature is a big part of his personality. You take it away from him and he will be half the player that he is today. Take for example, tennis legend John McEnroe. He used to bang his racquet, abuse the referee and wear his aggression on his sleeve. I am not saying it is okay to abuse. Reprimand him, fine him but don't try to change his natural aggressive personality. And regarding him reacting to media reports, I think he just has to grow numb to such reports because things will be written by media and you can't stop it. It's only now that media has become interested in a cricketer's personal life only because he is outgoing or has a Bollywood connect. Also in case where he feels there is injustice done to him through such reports, he can clarify his stand through Twitter which is a great medium.