'Don't push anyone down' - Hardik Pandya reveals one life lesson he has learnt from his captain Virat Kohli

Hardik Pandya is still quite young at the international level. But, it is safe to assume that the Baroda all-rounder will go on to become a big star in the near future. The 25-year-old has already shown us glimpses of his good performances and it can be said that he will go on to become a key player in the Indian cricket team in the years to come.

The best thing about Pandya is that he is surrounded by some experienced players. Senior cricketers like captain Virat Kohli, vice-captain Rohit Sharma and former captain MS Dhoni have guided the youngster properly for achieving greater success. In a recent interaction, the all-rounder opened up about the lessons which he has learned from his captain, Kohli.

You should have a great hunger to be the no.1 in the right way: Kohli to Hardik Pandya

Pandya talked about the time when he had asked the Indian captain about his success. The Mumbai Indians player revealed that Virat told him that it’s his hard work and hunger to be no.1 that keeps him going.

“Just two days ago, I was speaking to Virat. I asked him ‘what is the reason for your success?” Pandya told Sports Tak. “He replied back ‘your attitude is fine, everything is fine, just you have to keep one thing in mind to reach and have that level of consistency. You should have a great hunger to be the no. 1 in the right way. Not by pushing anyone down. By your own hard work and on your own merit, to become the no. 1 should be your goal’.”

Pandya, during the interaction also revealed that there are things which he has learned by watching his senior players like Sharma and Dhoni. Pandya concluded that it is the hard work that they do makes them what they are.

“Now I know how and why Virat is so consistent. Players like Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni – they don’t like being at no. 2. At the same time, if these players come 2nd, they don’t mind that either. They want to be no. 1, but their greatness is such that if they come at 2nd place, they have no problems. They will re-start the process of hard work to be the no.1,” the allrounder explained.

Even though the Baroda player has shown glimpses of excellence, we are yet to see his consistency on a greater level.