The Indian vice-captain concedes the past season was the "best phase" of his career but not the "ideal script" as the team missed out on victories in the World Cup final and the Sydney Test against Australia.
"It has been the best phase of my career. Add victory in the Sydney Test and the World Cup final and it could have been the ideal script," the stylish right-hander said in a programme on ESPN Star-Sports to be telecast on Tuesday.
Reflecting on the past season, he said, "I have felt confident about my game, my abilities and myself. I have improved as a cricketer and have kept increasing my standards a bit. I have been part of a good team and that has helped." The Bangalore player was appreciative of youngsters and also talked about the changed "atmosphere around the team".
"They (youngsters) are a good bunch of cricketers with a lot of talent and ability. Also the atmosphere around the team has changed over the last few years.
"They have come in an atmosphere that allows them to work hard and express their ability in terms of team planning and in terms of the facilities available to the team. They have therefore been able to make the best of their abilities as and when the opportunity arose."