Every challenge an opportunity to do well, says Hardik Pandya
INDORE: Hardik Pandya has been the game-changer for India in the ongoing series against Australia pulling off big shots whenever the situation demanded. His 83 in Chennai and his stand with MS Dhoni to help India post a winning total after losing half the side for 87, was impressive. Pushed up the order to No 4 in Indore, Pandya displayed maturity to help India win by five wickets and seal the series.
“I have been hitting sixes since childhood,” Pandya said on Sunday. “It’s not just about hitting. It’s important that I read the game. That time (in Chennai) I thought Z am pa was bowling and I knew that I could hit a six off him anytime I wanted to. That’s why I waited till the seventh over and when I got the opportunity I went for it. Eventually that one over changed the momentum of that game,” he said.
“I tried and it came out pretty well. That’s just my thinking. It’s about being positive and backing yourself. If I feel like, I go for it. I read the situation and go for it,” Pandya said.
Pandya said batting at No 4 did not make any difference. “It does not make any difference where I bat,” Pandya said. “Rather than seeing this as a challenge, I see this as an opportunity to do something nice for the team. When I was told I was going to go out to bat next, I was happy. This is the first time I played so many balls, so it was great,” he said.
“The message was always simple. Play your game, how ever you play. I can play all kinds of innings. Obviously, the plan was to target the spinners and it came out pretty well.”
In Chennai, India were reeling at 87/5. Pandya and Dhoni took India to 148/5 in 36 overs with Pandya on 35 from 45 balls. Pandya then cut loose smashing three sixes and a boundary off Zampa in the 37th over to turn the game around. 109 runs came in the last 13 overs and Australia were deflated.
In Indore, Pandya was sent at No 4 to go after the spinners. He went after Ashton Agar and hit him for four sixes. His partnerships of 56 and 78 with Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey showcased his maturity where he could play according to the situation.