Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are My Role Models: Hardik Pandya

Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya who has been a success story for India over the past year stated that current skipper Virat Kohli and former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni are his role models. He has been a sensational find for India and has already gone on to become one of the potent weapons especially in the limited overs team. Pandya who used to be too aggressive at the start of his career has changed quite a bit after spending some quality time with the team. BCCI recently granted his request of giving him rest for the Test series against Sri Lanka as he will be one of the most important players for India once they travel to South Africa later in the year.

During a Youtube Show ‘Breakfast with Champions’, Pandya revealed that he looks up to Dhoni and Kohli as his role models and wants to become like them.

“The way they (Dhoni and Kohli) are, I want to be like them. I want to be disciplined like them. I try to notice why they are like this,” Pandya said. He also stated that both cricketers are mentally very strongly due to which they are what they are.

Speaking on Kohli’s aggression on the field, Pandya said that he is a very passionate about the game and off the field, he is a pretty chilled out guy with even the oppositions. He, however, said that when a young cricketer asks him to choose cricket or studies, he advises them to select studies.

“Abhi mujhe koi puchta h ki sir cricket khelu ya padhai karu to main bolta hu padhai kar, (when someone asks me that sir should I play cricket or study then I say do studies),” said Pandya. He further stated the reason for voicing the same.

“I took a risk with my life and you should not do it because cricket is very dangerous. If you study, your education doesn’t go away, it stays with you and you get a job according to that. But in cricket, you have to be at the top level and I know to reach there is not a piece of cake. It’s difficult and it’s not like everyone would get it. I might be the luckiest one but to reach there you have to be really really really best,” said Hardik.