I Want To Be Like Jacques Kallis:Hardik

Hardik-Pandya-02
image Source: File Pic

Kolkata: Yuvraj Singh recently compared India’s newest cricketing sensation Hardik Pandya to West Indians for his on-field flair but the Baroda youngster dreams of emulating legendary South African Jacques Kallis with his all-round abilities.

“Big things start with the dream only. This was the dream. Yes, it’s fulfilling. I want to be like Jacques Kallis.

What he has done for Proteas in batting and bowling. I want to do the same thing for India,” Pandya said during Indian team’s ‘Open Media Session’, here today.

According to skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Pandya has brought stability with his skills but he reveals that there is no particular brief given to him.

“The best part is I’m not told anything. I’ve not given been any instruction. That’s something good for me. I can now read situations as I have got used to international pressure,” the 23-year-old added.

He said that playing for Mumbai Indians has been the turning point in his career.

“IPL has changed my life big time. Same time last year, I had posted a photo saying that I was sold to Mumbai Indians for Rs 10 lakh. This year on same day, I won the Asia Cup.

Just imagine playing for the national team within a year and winning the Asia Cup. The journey has been quite amazing.”

Pandya backs himself as a proper batsman.

“I find myself a proper batsman. I play according to situation. There will be a time where I will have to stick around.”

He is thankful to Dhoni for showing faith in his abilities.

“When you see your captain promoting yourself ahead of big names is really a good thing. It helps a lot. I quite like the faith he is showing. I want to contribute as many times as I can. I don’t take pressure (on myself),” said the new Poster Boy of Indian cricket.

No would know about Hardik Pandya till 2015 March but in 2016 March everybody know about him. He became a heartthrob. Hardik batted brilliantly in the first match against Bangladesh with Rohit Sharma. But in the final of the Asia Cup he bowled awfully conceding runs. ” The final of the Asia Cup taught me that cricket is a game of ups and downs. Some times you perform better sometime you not”.

When the popularity of Hardik Pandya is rising Ajinkya Rahane somewhere hides behind the limelight. Although He is the most “dependable” batsman in the Indian batting lineup in all format but due to captain MS Dhoni’s “team – combination” he doesn’t get a chance in the team. Rahane has no regrets about it. Infact he wants to learn more. He jokingly said ,”kisi ko agar panu bhi pilana ho to bohot pyar se pilana chahiye.” Rahene may not said it but he indicated that in 22 yards he is very dangerous, alongside he is also very disciplined as a twelfth man.

Like Rahane Harbhajan Singh is also not in Dhoni’s team. Due to the spinning combination of Ashwin and Jadeja the legendary off spinner has to spend the maximum time in the dug out. His one time coplayers including Sehwag,Mohammad Kaif,VVS Laxman,Zaheer Khan is now indulged with the job of commentary but Bhajji is still playing. Alongside 2003,2007,2011 World Cups and 2007 World T20 he is also a member of the 2016 World T20 team.

One being asked his secret of success he answered looking towards his tattoo “faith”, ” alongside skill you have to be very willful.” He said.