Pandya pays glowing tributes to Dhoni, Kohli
He believes that his game thrives well in pressure situations and Hardik Pandya does not have to look too far as he has both Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli for “inspiration.”
“There’s a lot to learn when both [Kohli and Dhoni] of them bat. Their batting, running between wickets inspire us. It’s at another level. It’s fun to watch them bat together,” said Pandya as he paid glowing tributes to his seniors on the eve of their fourth ODI against New Zealand in Ranchi.
A 151-run match-winning partnership between Dhoni (80) and Kohli (154 not out) set up their seven-wicket win in Mohali as India look to seal the issue in the five-match rubber at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium Complex today.
Dhoni looks to have regained his destructive form after promoting him to No. 4 and Pandya said it’s an exciting time for Team India.
“It shows positive intent. I enjoyed his [Dhoni] batting. As batsman, whatever number I bat at, we should play according to situation. It’s a job for everyone. It gives us confidence for someone who bats lower down the order. It’s pretty good.”
Impressive spell
While he is enjoying Dhoni’s approach to batsmanship after the skipper promoted himself up the order, the young allrounder is game about batting at any No which the team management wants him to.
“I’m pretty ready for everything, whatever overs I get.”
Pandya returned with impressive 3/31 in India’s sixwicket win against New Zealand in Dharamsala to be adjudged man-of-the-match in his debut ODI. The youngster said he’s fitter and stronger now.
“I was putting the same effort but I’ve worked a bit more on my fitness. I’m stronger now,” he said.
Pandya nearly pulled off a thrilling chase but went out for 36 from 32 balls after being done in by Trent Boult in an angled short delivery in the second ODI in Delhi.