He Is A Role Model For Me - Chamika Karunaratne Reveals Hardik Pandya's Advice

Updated - 31 Jul 2021, 04:17 PM

Chamika Karunaratne (Image Credit: Twitter)

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Sri Lanka all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne has talked a number of times about his admiration for Hardik Pandya. The Indian all-rounder recently gifted him a bat and had previously texted him advice to improve his game.

Chamika Karunaratne revealed how Suryakumar Yadav helped him get a bat from Pandya. He stated that the Baroda-born is his role model and someone he looks up to.

The 25-year-old starred in the matches against India. He played quick knocks of 43* in the first ODI, 44* in the second ODI – though the hosts lost both those games. He then produced a cameo of 12 runs off 6 balls in a thriller in the second T20I to take his side home.

Hardik Pandya , Chamika Karunaratne — Hardik Pandya gifting Chamika Karunaratne a bat. (Photo Source: Instagram)

“Yes, I love him(Pandya). Suryakumar Yadav was the one who helped me for that. I just went and asked him, I like to talk to Hardik Pandya and I love to take a bat from him. And he said just go for it, he will definitely give you. And, when he told me, I said No no, and he was like, ask for it, and Yadav said to Hardik in Hindi that he is asking for a bat,” Chamika Karunaratne told broadcaster Sony.

“He( Pandya) asked me first time you want a bat. I said no the first time, then after that he asked me you want a bat, and I was like, yes please. He gave me the bat, and he is a very nice human being.

“I think he was a role model for me and I am thanking him again for giving me a lovely bat to be honest. I think it is an A Grade bat, and we do not get that quality bat, so I am really happy to get a bat from him,” he added.

He messaged me saying play the game and be disciplined: Chamika Karunaratne

The 25-year-old revealed that Pandya had earlier texted and advised him to remain disciplined and constantly improve his game and was impressed with his batting.

Chamika Karunaratne had looked up to the Indian all-rounder for fitness inspiration during his tough times.

“He(Pandya) talked to me and messaged me saying play the game and be disciplined. Day by day improve yourself, learn and play the game the way you are playing and he told me so many things. And thanks to him. He was a role model for me because six to eight months ago I had a really hard time and I was looking at his Instagram pictures and videos and the way he is training,” the Sri Lankan concluded.