Excited at the opportunity to represent India in Tests: Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has capitalized the opportunities coming his way in 2016 like no one else has. The Baroda all-rounder made his Twenty20 International debut in January on the tour of Australia, later that year he also was a part of the Indian team for the Asia Cup T20 and the World T20. After a bit of a break he was once again included in the team, this time for the One-dayers against New Zealand and today he was named in the Indian Test squad for the first two Tests against England.

Talking to CricTracker soon after his maiden Test call-up Hardik said, “I am excited and honored at this opportunity. Playing Test cricket for the country is a dream for every cricketer and I am a part of the No. 1 Test team now. I would like to thank my family, friends, well-wishers and the selectors who have shown faith in me and my abilities.”

“It was a great experience for me playing the ODI series against New Zealand and everyone from skipper MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli to the coach Anil Kumble were very supportive,” he said. “I know there are a lot of expectations on me now but I would like to keep it simple and take small steps and try to perform well and improve my game whenever I get an opportunity. Playing against a side like England will be a huge learning curve for me as a cricketer and I am eagerly looking forward to it.” The 23-year-old added.

Skipper MS Dhoni opted for him as a front-line pacer who he would open with the new ball. Hardik responded really well and displayed his ability to swing the ball at a decent pace. He bowls in high 130s and has the ability to bowl consistently in the 140s once he settles into his rhythm. He had already shown his big hitting abilities in the IPL while playing for Baroda and the limited opportunities he got with the bat in the 16 T20Is he has played for Team India.

After announcing the team chairman of selectors MAK Prasad said it was his “all-round abilities” and mellowed down attitude that worked for Pandya. “If you look at Hardik Pandya, his pace has increased. His overall personality has mellowed down. He did extremely well in the ODI series and also during the A tour Down Under,” he said.

“We all have been trying to find an all-rounder after Kapil Dev. In case we play three spinners, he can be the second seamer and also can bat. We all know he is a bit hyper. But he has worked hard under Rahul Dravid and under chief coach Anil Kumble.”