Competition In The Team Is Tough, I Have To Make My Place: Manish Pandey

Elegant India batter Manish Pandey’s unbeaten 50* off 36 balls took India to a competitive total of 165/8 in their allotted 20 overs. The visitors were tottering at one stage with their scorecard reading 88/6 in the 12th over. Pandey though, curbed his natural instinct and played percentage cricket.

Post yet another nail-biting win, Pandey said he needs to prepare for life at no.6. The Karnataka batter is a natural top-order man and has stamped his authority at the same slot in domestic cricket. He is aware of the competition at the top and therefore eager to play the new role with much clarity.

Manish Pandey getting used to life at no.6

“I have to start preparing my mind as a No.6 batsman because normally I bat up the order, No. 3 or No. 4,” Pandey said. “Here with the competition up top, you just have to wait for your chances, exactly how it used to happen before this. There were hardly six or 10 balls that I would play before. Today was the opportunity, and I’ve been preparing myself as to how to bat No.6 and what kind of shots I can play, what kind of bowlers, and how many overs are left.” said the man with 62 white-ball games under his belt.

With Rohit Sharma sitting out, the visitors struggled for a stand for the first time in the ongoing series. However, Pandey grabbed the opportunity with both hands and the bowlers did the rest to script a Super Over win. The 30-year-old revealed that he expects to back at his favorite slot (no.3) in the Indian Premier League.

“I would still bat No.3 when I go back to the IPL,” Pandey said. “It gives me more of an opportunity and more chance to spend time on the wicket. It gives me little more extra time when I bat, with the way I bat. Competition here is too tough, and I’ve got to make my place, have to squeeze in. So even if they give me No.6, I’m happy to take it. I’d love to keep contributing this way and helping my team win.” he added.