Here's what Hardik Pandya said on Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Ravi Shastri, Rahul Dravid
Mumbai: Rested from Indian squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka, Hardik Pandya will look to recharge his batteries and get ready for India’s packed overseas schedule next year.
Read: I asked for rest, says Hardik Pandya
Since ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England, Pandya’s stock in world cricket is on the rise; be it his attacking 76-run knock in the final of the tournament against Pakistan or his whirlwind maiden century against Sri Lanka in Test cricket.
The Mumbai Indians’ star also showed he can handle tough situations with his two fine knocks in the ODI series against Australia.
Read: Bye-bye Mumbai Indians? Huge bid expected for Hardik Pandya at IPL 2018 auction
While the Indian all-rounder could not score many with the bat since the finals stages of India versus Australia ODI series till the conclusion of India versus New Zealand T20Is, he has made his presence felt with his fielding and bowling; once again proving that he is an asset for the Virat Kohli-led Indian side.
While Pandya made his debut under MS Dhoni, he is rapidly becoming one of the go-to players for Kohli. It was visible when Kohli opted for Pandya to bowl the final over in the eight-over thriller in the series-deciding Thiruvananthapuram Twenty20 against New Zealand. While the leadership has changed hands, the bond between Kohli and Dhoni has remained the same and so is Pandya’s admiration for both of them.
“I have learned from both of them, they are amazing,” said Pandya during an interview with cricketnext.
“I take a lot of advice from Dhoni,” added the all-rounder.
While Kohli, Dhoni and Pandya never run out of energy on the cricket field, off the field the three seem to be laidback and like to have a good time in their own way. Pandya, in fact, does not mind taking a “revenge” on skipper Kohli.
“Virat is a gem of guy. We keep on laughing, we keep on pulling each other's legs. We have a very strong bond,” Pandya said as he discussed his equation with the Indian cricket team skipper.
Although the Indian all-rounder was always earmarked to achieve big things, more than his cricket it was his style that attracted a lot of attention. Then, he was dropped from the team following a below-par form. However, following India A’s tour of Australia, where Pandya chipped in with some fine performances, he was recalled to the side. A major reason for that turnaround was India A coach and cricket legend Rahul Dravid. Pandya spoke highly of Dravid.
“He told me a lot of things and I learned a lot from him, How to maintain my discipline, how to maintain my fitness, how to think positively,” said Pandya.
Pandya also lauded the current Team India head coach Ravi Shastri, terming him “rockstar”.
“He might be the coach, but he is the real rockstar. He is the cool dude. He gives me the freedom and the confidence at this level. We gel pretty well with him,” said Pandya.
