I Have Learnt A Lot From Dhoni, Says Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, on Sunday (September 17), once again showed why Virat Kohli rates him so highly. The  23-year old came to bat when India were reeling at 87 for 5. However, he soon turned the game into India’s favour with a whirlwind knock off 83 runs off just 66 balls as he added 118 runs with MS Dhoni to help India recover from a disastrous start to post a challenging 281 for 7 in the allotted 50 overs.

Speaking after his whirlwind knock said he has learnt a lot from MS Dhoni who scored 79 off 88 and remained at the crease pretty much till the end to guide India to a competitive total.

“The situation where we were in, it feels good. They were on top and the pressure was there, so it was important to give myself some time. Came off pretty well. I have learnt a lot from Dhoni; I’m still learning a lot. When we were batting, we were thinking of 230, so we’ll take this,” said Pandya after India’s innings.

Pandya’s stunning knock was studded with 5 fours and 5 sixes including the over when he hit Adam Zampa for a four and 3 sixes on the four consecutive deliveries. After his batting, Pandya made his mark with the ball by taking 2 quick wickets including the prized scalp of Steve Smith to set the tone for India’s win. The Men in Blue went on to restrict the visitors to 137 for 9 to win the game by 21 runs (DLS method).

Speaking at the end of the match while receiving his second ODI Man of the Match award, the Baroda star said spoke on his game and game plan during the match.

It was a good day for me. Couple of catches would have helped. It feels pretty good. I don’t think anything has changed. I’m the same Hardik, perhaps a bit calmer than last year. I just wanted to play my game,” he said at the presentation ceremony.

“I knew what he (Zampa) was going to bowl. We were planning and eventually I targeted one over. I liked it and eventually it helped. As a cricketer, it is important to have the right form. I am glad I am doing well in the batting department and bowling department. I have a wonderful bunch of people around me. I’d like to thank my coach,” he added.