Manish Pandey ‘under pressure’ to keep spot
BANGALORE : Manish Pandey has had modest returns in the ongoing series against Australia, scoring 0, 3 and 36* in Chennai, Kolkata and Indore respectively. Heading into the fourth ODI at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the right-hander is determined to put up a good show but has admitted that he is under pressure.
“There is pressure. I am here to try and stay here for the longest time. I want to play more games and help win matches for India. There is competition for spots. So, I will have to put in all the hard work,” Pandey said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Pandey, who batted at No.6 in Indore, said that he wants to capitalise on the chances given in the Australia series. “We are trying to build a bunch for the next World Cup. You have to give enough chances to people. I am getting the chances and I have to use this opportunity to perform well,” Pandey said.
The Indian team has won nine straight ODI games since the West Indies series. The top order has contributed some big scores while the lower middle order chipped in at vital times. However, the No 4 and No 5 slots have been a bit of a problem, with Pandey and Kedar Jadhav not performing consistently.
In 2016, Pandey scored his maiden ODI century against Australia in Sydney to help India avoid a 5-0 whitewash. Asked whether the team was different from the one currently, Pandey stated, “Some things are not clicking for them. While they have good batsmen at the top, their middle order is not contributing. All departments in our team are clicking. We are well prepared now,” Pandey said.
I want to play more games and help win matches for India. There is competition for spots. So, I will have to put in all the hard work. On fierce competition ›
Some things are not clicking for them. While they have good batsmen at the top, their middle order is not contributing. On the Australia team