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[caption id="attachment_26416" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Hardik Pandya (second from left) warming up with the Indian ODI team. Image Source: twitter[/caption] Internet Desk: His selection in the Indian test team has raised a lot of debate. But Hardik Pandya seems unfazed at all that is talked about him in the media. Ecstatic after his maiden call-up into the Indian test team, Pandya said that India A coach Rahul Dravid's guidance during the Australia tour has made him "mentally stronger".

"For me, everything changed after my tour of Australia with the India A team. It is a tour that transformed me as a cricketer. I can't but thank Rahul Dravid enough for his contribution. I understood that there is a mental aspect about the game that needs to be worked upon. He (Dravid) made me mentally stronger," Hardik told the media.

He further added, "I don't think I have learnt more than what I did during those one and half months under Rahul sir. He would tell me about things that I need to try out. I was mentally strong but after interacting with him, I understood that I could get even better. If my bowling is being talked about today, it's because of Rahul sir and Paras Mhambrey (India A bowling coach)."

Terming it as the biggest day of his life, Pandya said: "Playing Test cricket is ultimate for anyone and I am no different. Yes, this is my biggest achievement till date. In fact, yesterday the Baroda team was travelling to Raipur for their Ranji game. I told the boys that let me stay back in Mumbai for a day. If I don't get selected, I will join you guys next day. It was the happiest moment."

Talking about his bowling, Hardik said: "The more you practise the craft, better you get at it. I bowled so much in Australia that it yielded results when I was back with the senior team. I became more consistent, hit the right length.

The increase in pace has got a lot to do with the rhythm. If I am in rhythm, the pace will automatically increase by a few yards. The more I play at this level, the better I will get."

Hardik has done well in the shorter format. The all rounder voiced his confidence about doing well with the red cherry.

"The Red SG Test does more than the white kookaburra. So, as a bowler, I have more opportunity to use variations. I back myself as a proper new ball bowler and I believe that I can use the reverse swing to good effect also."

Asked about his preferred batting order in the Indian team, Hardik accepted that he is perfectly okay with whatever position he is being asked to bat at.

"I used to bat at No 3 for Baroda and then I have been batting at No 5 in Ranji Trophy. I have to be realistic that in the Indian team, I can't bat at No 5. I would be probably batting at No 8 or No 9. I am perfectly fine with it. I am ready to bat at any position."

With inputs from PTI.