XtraTime Web Desk: After taking his maiden five-for in test cricket against England in the third test at Nottingham Indian cricket team’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya hits back his critics by saying that he doesn’t play for them and they are getting paid for saying things which he doesn’t even want to know or care if what they say and he only concentrates to play for his country. After his dismal show in the first two tests many had started saying that Pandya is nothing but over hyped by the media, but after this remarkable performance Pandya has shut everyone’s mouth.
“First of all, I don’t play for them. They are getting paid for saying things which I don’t even want to know or care if what they say. I play for my country. I don’t care what they say, it’s their job to say and it’s my job to play for my country and I am doing the right thing. My team is happy with me, nothing else matters,” said Pandya at the post day 2 press-conference.
Hardik doesn’t want to be compared with legendary Kapil Dev and in place of that he just want to ba Hardik Pandya.
“I have a problem with this comparison. All of a sudden something goes wrong, they are like he is not that. I have never wanted to be Kapil Dev. Let me be Hardik Pandya, I am good at being Hardik Pandya. I have reached here till now, played 40 ODIs and 10 Tests being Hardik Pandya, not Kapil Dev. They have created their era, let me be Hardik Pandya and let’s stop comparing me with anyone. I will be happy if you don’t,” added Pandya.
Hardik heaped praise on the debutante wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant as well. Pant took five catches behind the wicket on day 2 which is remarkable as well.
“Amazing to be honest, even yesterday when he came in, the way he batted was amazing. He was saying I am nervous. I looked at the board and said I have played 55 balls and scored 18, you are already 18 in some 23 balls. We were making fun as well and he is amazing behind the stumps, KL as well, and when you know someone is catching so well, you know as a bowler if you create a chance they will grab it,” said Pandya.
On being asked about his maiden five-wicket haul, Hardik replied,” I am happier with taking five-wicket haul than scoring a hundred. I have taken very few five wicket hauls. I think this is the second of my life. And it has come at a very important place/juncture so I am very happy.”