Hardik Pandya on Virat Kohli: The Indian all-rounder was vocal about improving as a player under the leadership of Kohli.
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Apart from his cricketing skills, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is known for his funky hairstyles and unique dressing sense. Currently injured, Pandya is expected to play a significant role during India’s tour of Australia later this year.
Citing indifferent form, Pandya was dropped from the fourth Test of the series in England. In four Tests, he had scored 164 runs at an average of 23.42 and a strike rate of 56.94. With the ball in hand, Pandya picked up 10 wickets at an average of 24.70 and a strike rate of 38.5.
Several opinions were made of Pandya profile as India’s all-rounder. Former cricketers such as Sunil Gavaskar and Michael Holding had opined for Pandya not being the idle candidate for that spot. In a recent interview with The Times of India, Pandya revealed that he respects all such opinions and taken them in a positive way.
“They’ve played so much cricket. Let them say it. It’s OK. I’ve heard them so much. I respect that. I’m worthy enough that they’re talking about me. If I wasn’t, they wouldn’t have said anything about me! I take it in a positive way,” Pandya was quoted.
On being asked about his preparation for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Pandya said that he wants to give his 100% to the team. Pandya also said that he is working hard on his fitness at the moment.
“I want to give more than 100% to make sure that we win the World Cup. That’s why right now, I’m focusing on improving my skills, fitness, mentally I want to get stronger. Because that 10-15% (extra) would be very critical,” the 25-year old all-rounder added.
Pandya was wax lyrical about Indian captain Virat Kohli, saying that he has been a great ‘support’ and that he has grown immensely under his leadership. “He’s (Kohli) been a great support. He’s helped me improve my game, which is a fantastic quality in him. Till now, I’ve grown with him. My career started under MS, then Virat took over. I’ve improved under both of them,” he further added.
Read some of the recent Twitter reactions on Pandya below:
