This story is from March 09, 2016

I want to be like Jacques Kallis: Pandya

Hardik Pandya, the latest poster boy of India cricket is enjoying all the attention and adulation. The Baroda lad, who has impressed one and all with his all-round skills, maintained that he will not be under any pressure going into the WT20.
I want to be like Jacques Kallis: Pandya
KOLKATA: Hardik Pandya, the latest poster boy of India cricket is enjoying all the attention and adulation. The Baroda lad, who has impressed one and all with his all-round skills, maintained that he will not be under any pressure going into the WT20.“I am happy to have made a good start and want to keep contributing to the team's cause,“ Pandya said during an open session with the media at the team hotel here on Tuesday .The youngster, however, has big dreams. “I want to be like Jacques Kallis. We all know what Kallis has done for the Proteas with the bat and ball, I want to do the same for Team India,“ Pandya said.The 22-year-old, who is learning fast from the senior pros in the dress ing room, sees himself as a genuine all-rounder. “I am not a bowling or batting all-rounder, I see myself as a player who can do everything,“ he stated.He is grateful to skipper MS Dhoni for showing faith in his abilities. “It feels really good when your captain pro mote you ahead of himself. It helps a lot,“ he added.Veteran off-spinner Harb hajan Singh felt with the youngsters coming good, India stand a good chance to win the WT20 this time However, looking back at 2007 experience, Bhajji felt there was little expectation from the team then.
“Very few expected us to win the Cup that time as we were a very young side. But now after a good run, the pressure of ex pectations will be high,“ he stated.A happy dressing room is an added plus for Team India's success in recent times. In spite of not finding a regular place in the playing XI, Ajinkya Ra hane is not frustrated and enjoying the team's success. “It's nice to have a settled unit. I am patient and positive,“ he said. “I am focusing on my prepa ration and with the skipper and team director (Shastri) backing my work ethic, I am happy to wait for my chance,“ he added.. In the shortest format, much depends on a good start and Team India openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have been providing just that.Rohit felt the opening duo are complements each other well. “It's important to understand each other's game, which we do. There are days when he (Shikhar) bats freely and at times, I take the initiative. That way we work as a team,“ he said.Sharma feels that good all-round team effort has made India the No. 1 side in T20.He even heaped praise on young pacer Jasprit Bumrah. “Instead of talking about (Mohammad) Amir you should talk about Bumrah. He's our bowler and doing well. He's a rare talent and will go a long way,“ he felt.

For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik’s inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
End of Article
Follow Us On Social Media