Apart from bout, we also have to mentor youngsters: Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt

Entire country is expecting a rich haul from wrestlers this time too. What is your realistic assessment from Glasgow?
Yogeshwar: We are confident of getting five to six gold medals as there are other young wrestlers in the team who are ready to perform well on the international circuit. There is burden of expectations from us. But that will only help us perform to our maximum.

You had a long lay-off after the London Games. Are you back to your top game?
Yogeshwar: Both Sushil and I, returned to the ring after almost a two-year absence. I defeated the 2011 world champion during my semifinal bout in Italy and that certainly shows that we're ready to take on the best in the world.

India had a great outing at the CWG in 2010. But could the absence of Greco-Roman style this time hurt India's chances in Glasgow?
Sushil: It's disappointing that Greco-Roman category is not there in Glasgow. Last time in Delhi, we won three gold (Sushil, Yogeshwar and Narsingh Yadav), two silver (Anuj Kumar and Joginder Kumar) and one bronze (Anil Kumar). This clearly means that we are going to lose at least seven medals this time. I want the freestyle wrestlers to step up and win in all seven categories to compensate for the loss.

You have younger wrestlers in team. Do you also act as mentor?
Sushil: Certainly, we have a dual role to perform as seniors. For Amit Kumar Dahiya, Bajrang, Satyavrat and Pavan Kumar, this is their first CWG. And they could feel the pressure during the tournament. Our job is to keep them calm and act as their mentors too.

Personally, do you feel more pressure to win medal now in order to motivate youngsters in the team?
Sushil: I don't think so. You see I have a dual role to play, winning medals for my country and inspiring the young wrestlers with my performance on the mat. The seven-member team, which is travelling to Glasgow, is capable enough to win medals.

How long do you see yourself wrestling at the international level?
Sushil: My target is 2016 Rio Olympics, and Commonwealth Games and Asian Games later this year are part of that preparation. I am fit and completely injury free. I haven't taken a call on my future.

There is a new crop of wrestlers now. What is your advice to them during interaction?
Sushil: Perform to your potential, don't get bogged down by the pressure of expectations. Stay positive and have the right attitude to win.

Before London, there was just one Sushil who was a role model for every budding wrestler. Now there are two. Any pressure you feel?
Yogeshwar: Sushil is my childhood friend and we complement each other quite perfectly. We knew each other's game inside out. In Beijing Olympics, I was unlucky to have missed out on a medal.

Which of the youngster has impressed you the most?
Yogeshwar: Bajrang has impressed me the most. I have mentored him by passing on my tactical and technical knowledge. Last year, he won the bronze medal in the World Cup. I have high hopes from him in this Commonwealth Games.

Sushil: All the young wrestlers are good. They have practised hard for the Glasgow Games. I see my kind of attacking style in Amit Kumar Dahiya, the silver medallist in the World Cup. He has shown a lot of promise in the international competitions. I see him as a bright prospect to take the Indian wrestling forward.